Eastman Completes Specialty Copolyester Capacity Increase Via Conversion
KINGSPORT, Tenn., September 4, 2001-Eastman Chemical Company (NYSE: EMN) announced today the completion of a capital project converting capacity at its Kingsport, Tennessee facility from commodity polyester to specialty copolyester.
"We are pleased to be able to support our customers' rapidly increasing demand for these specialty products," said Dr. Phillip Griswold, vice president and general manager of Eastman's Specialty Plastics Business. "This new capacity will not only enable us to meet the growing needs of our existing customers but will also position us for growth with new customers and in new markets."
Scheduled for startup in early September, the conversion represents a 10% increase in Eastman's global capacity for specialty copolyesters. The project expands Eastman's capacity in two product families, DuraStar Polymer and Eastar Copolyester.
Targeted at the cosmetics and oral hygiene markets, Eastar copolyester has long been recognized for its aesthetic appeal and physical attributes in a wide range of packaging applications.
For the appliance and general molding markets, DuraStar polymer offers sparkling clarity and gloss, toughness and chemical resistance as well as ease of processing.
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