Eastman Expands CHDM Capacity
KINGSPORT, Tenn., Feb. 23, 2006 - Eastman Chemical Company (NYSE:EMN) has announced an expansion project that will enable the doubling of CHDM capacity at its Kingsport, Tenn., site. The project will come on-line in late 2006.
The capacity expansion, which was discussed in January during the company's fourth-quarter sales and earnings conference call and webcast, will provide the scale and integrated assets to enhance Eastman's global copolyester manufacturing capabilities. CHDM is used in the manufacturing of various specialty plastics products.
"As we continue our move toward becoming an even stronger supplier to the global copolyester market, we're taking steps to create the most competitive manufacturing position possible for our products," said Phil Griswold, vice president and general manager of Eastman's specialty plastics business. "This expansion project supports that strategy as well as Eastman's long-term commitment to our customers. The additional material that will result from this capacity expansion will strengthen our leadership position of supplying customers across a wide range of markets with a reliable source of product."
About Eastman Chemical Company
Eastman Chemical Company (NYSE:EMN) manufactures and markets chemicals, fibers and plastics worldwide. It provides key differentiated coatings, adhesives and specialty plastics products; is the world's largest producer of PET polymers for packaging; and is a major supplier of cellulose acetate fibers. Founded in 1920 and headquartered in Kingsport, Tenn., Eastman is a FORTUNE 500 company with 2005 sales of $7 billion and approximately 12,000 employees. For more information about Eastman and its products, visit www.eastman.com.
Media Contacts:
Nancy Ledford
+1-423-229-5264
nledford@eastman.com
