Eastman acquires China-based polymer plant

Eliokem, a specialty chemical company, continues its expansion and investments in China with the construction of a new manufacturing facility in response to a growing demand for specialty vinyl pyridine lattices in Asia. With a total area of 30,000 sqm the new manufacturing plant will be commissioned in the second half of 2010. The first phase is dedicated to VP latex manufacturing and is expected to expand the global Pliocord production capacity of the Group including the existing Le Havre facility in France to approximately 20,000 metric tonnes per year. Located in the Shanghai Chemical Industry Park of Caojing, the plant will allow the company to achieve the largest worldwide production of VP latex. Moreover, the site benefits from 44,000 sqm of additional land and the proximity of a wide variety of other petrochemical raw materials for further expansions. Pliocord VP Latex is primarily used in the production of tyre cord fabric providing critical adhesion of the cord to the tyre's rubber. Approximately one in three radial passenger cars tyres worldwide uses Pliocord VP Latex. "This is an exciting addition to our specialty polymers product lines that reinforces Eastman's commitment to sustainably-advantaged products like Ensure™" said Brian Yoon, Asia Pacific Regional Business Director. "Not only will this additional capacity allow us to grow with our customers in China, but it will allow us to free-up capacity at our facility in Kingsport, Tenn., to meet the growing demand for our other cellulose-based specialty polymers worldwide." www.eastman.comadidas