We are primarily a holding company. We operate in the component products industry
through our majority-owned subsidiary, CompX International Inc. (NYSE MKT: CIX).
We operate in the chemicals industry through our noncontrolling interest in
Kronos Worldwide, Inc. CompX and Kronos (NYSE: KRO); each file periodic reports
with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Valhi, Inc. (NYSE: VHI) held approximately 83% of our outstanding common stock
and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Contran Corporation held an aggregate of 93%
of Valhi’s outstanding common stock.
Component Products
CompX International Inc. - 87%
CompX manufactures engineered components that are sold to a variety of industries
including recreational transportation (including boats), postal, office and
institutional furniture, cabinetry, tool storage, healthcare, gas stations and
vending equipment. CompX has three production facilities in the United States.
Chemicals
Kronos Worldwide, Inc. - 30% owned
Kronos is a leading global producer and marketer of value-added titanium dioxide
pigments, or TiO2, a base industrial product used in imparting whiteness, brightness,
opacity and durability to a diverse range of customer applications and end-use
markets, including coatings, plastics, paper, inks, food, cosmetics and other
industrial and consumer “quality-of-life” products. Kronos has production
facilities in Europe and North America. Sales of TiO2 represented about 93%
of Kronos’ net sales, with sales of other products that are complementary
to Kronos’ TiO2 business comprising the remainder.
Through our majority-owned subsidiary, CompX, we manufacture engineered components
that are sold to a variety of industries including recreational transportation
(including boats), postal, office and institutional furniture, cabinetry, tool
storage, healthcare, gas stations and vending equipment. We continuously seek
to diversify into new markets and identify new applications and features for
our products, which we believe provide a greater potential for higher rates
of earnings growth as well as diversification of risk.
TiO2 is a white inorganic pigment used in a wide range of products for its
exceptional durability and its ability to impart whiteness, brightness and opacity.
TiO2 is a critical component of everyday applications, such as coatings, plastics
and paper, as well as many specialty products such as inks, food and cosmetics.
TiO2 is widely considered to be superior to alternative white pigments in large
part due to its hiding power (or opacity), which is the ability to cover or
mask other materials effectively and efficiently. TiO2 is designed, marketed
and sold based on specific end-use applications.