KINGSPORT, Tenn., May 27, 2009—Eastman Chemical Company has successfully completed the first of several upgrades of its hydrogenated hydrocarbon resin facility in Middelburg, the Netherlands. By the end of 2009, these combined upgrades will increase current capacity by more than 30%, and in total by 65% since 2006.
"Around the world, demand for Eastman Regalite™ hydrogenated hydrocarbon resins continues to increase," said Brad Lich, vice president and general manager of Eastmans coatings, adhesives, specialty polymers and inks business. "This investment in hydrogenated hydrocarbon resins reconfirms Eastmans commitment to enhancing our position as a global leader. It is an important next step in the globalization of our Regalite™ product line and allows us to serve customers not only in Europe, but in other regions of the world as well.”
"We are pleased with this expansion," said Rien Jonker, site manager at Middelburg. "It will leverage our recent investments at the Middelburg site, and increase our capability to meet the markets current and future supply needs.”
The Middelburg tackifier resin plant is one of the largest in the world, producing a range of rosin and hydrocarbon resins and dispersions. Regalite™ hydrogenated hydrocarbon resins have been produced since 1985, and are used extensively in a wide variety of hot melt adhesives, polymer compounds and plastic modifications. Thanks to their versatility and broad compatibility, Regalite™ hydrogenated hydrocarbon resins can be formulated with a wide range of Styrenic and Polyolefinic polymers, and offer excellent color, stability and adhesion.
About Eastman Chemical Company
Eastman’s chemicals, fibers and plastics are key ingredients our customers rely on to make products people use every day. Approximately 10,200 Eastman employees around the world blend technical expertise and innovation to deliver practical solutions that help make the world a better place. Eastman is committed to finding sustainable business opportunities within diverse markets we serve. Headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA, Eastman had 2008 sales of $6.7 billion. For more information about Eastman and its products, visit www.eastman.com