Acheson's Expansion of Capabilities in Japan to Support Rechargeable Battery

Market in Asia PORT HURON, MI, February 28, 2008 - Acheson (achesonindustries.com) has announced that it is making a significant investment to expand its battery production and battery testing capabilities on a laboratory scale during the second quarter of 2008 at its facility in Kakogawa, Japan. This investment will enhance Acheson's ability to develop conductive coatings for the lithium ion battery and EDLC market, specifically for hybrid electric vehicles, electric vehicles and consumer batteries. The company is implementing capabilities to produce battery cells in the laboratory and to measure the performance of various outputs on the battery to determine the effects of Acheson coatings on current conductor foils. More than 80 percent of the rechargeable battery market is in Asia, and this investment is expected to support Acheson's growth in that market segment. For more information, call one of the following Acheson regional locations: North America (USA), 1-810-984-5581; Latin America (Brazil), 55-11-2246-8500; Europe, Africa and the Middle East (Netherlands), 31 (0) 597-670502; Asia Pacific (Japan), 81-79-426-2415. Information is also available at achesonindustries.com. Acheson, a National Starch and Chemical business, is a global supplier of specialty electrical materials, specialty coatings, process lubricants and lubricant-application equipment. Acheson's products are utilized in countless applications in the electronics, automotive, aerospace, appliance, metalworking and other industries. Acheson has a global presence with facilities in Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Netherlands, Singapore, Spain, United Kingdom and the United States. Additional information about Acheson and its products is available at achesonindustries.com. Editorial Contacts: Dave Manion 908-685-5395 dave.manion@nstarch.com Martin Torbert 908-685-5185 martin.torbert@nstarch.com