Eastman Expanding CHDM Capacity

Eastman Chemical Company (NYSE:EMN) is in the process of expanding CHDM capacity by 25 percent at its Kingsport, Tenn., site. The company expects to complete the expansion in two phases, with the first phase to be completed in mid-2011, and the second in 2012. CHDM is a monomer used to manufacture various specialty plastics products.

"This significant increase in CHDM capacity will enable us to address the needs of our customers in copolyesters, including Eastman Tritan™ copolyester,” said Mark Costa, executive vice president, specialty polymers, coatings and adhesives and chief marketing officer. "This expansion also better positions us for continued growth by enabling future increases in copolyester polymer capacity of up to 25 percent.”

"This additional capacity allows us to strengthen our copolyester leadership position and ensure our customers a reliable source of product,” said Dante Rutstrom, vice president and general manager of Eastman’s Specialty Plastics segment.

Eastman’s chemicals, fibers and plastics are used as key ingredients in products that people use every day. Approximately 10,000 Eastman employees around the world blend technical expertise and innovation to deliver practical solutions. The company is committed to finding sustainable business opportunities within the diverse markets it serves. A global company headquartered in Kingsport, Tenn., USA, Eastman had 2009 sales of $5 billion. For more information, visit www.eastman.com.