Lawrence plant escapes closures by Astaris

The Astaris phosphate manufacturing plant in Lawrence was spared from closure as part of a restructuring plan announced by the St. Louis-based company.

Astaris officials announced after the end of business Wednesday that in the next nine months they would close phosphate plants in Conda, Idaho, Green River, Wyo., and Trenton, Mich., along with a packaging and warehouse operation in Bedford Park, Ill. The company did not disclose how many jobs would be lost.

Company officials said the work at the four facilities would be moved to the Lawrence plant, 440 N. Ninth St., and plants in Carteret, N.J., and St. Louis.

Astaris officials in Lawrence did not immediately return phone calls.

Statistical research nets Nobel Prize in economics

American Robert Engle, above, and Briton Clive Granger won the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences on Wednesday for their use of statistical methods for studying the timing behind economic developments.

Their research is used to gather data for “time series,” such as chronological observations or for estimating relationships and testing hypotheses in economic theory, the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences said.

Kansas City, Mo.

Cerner wins deal to help create computer system

Cerner Corp. has been selected to help create a computer system that will allow British patients to book appointments electronically, CEO Neal Patterson said Wednesday.

The contract was given to SchlumbergerSema, the information technology segment of Schlumberger Ltd., one of the world’s largest oil service companies. SchlumbergerSema will work with Cerner, a North Kansas City-based software company, to design, develop and manage the electronic scheduling service.

The five-year contract is worth about $106 million.