KINGSPORT, Tenn., April 18, 2012 - Eastman Chemical Company (NYSE:EMN) today announced it has completed a previously announced capacity expansion of its 2-ethyl hexanol (or 2-EH) facility in Longview, Texas. With this expansion and other recently completed debottlenecks, 2-EH capacity has been increased approximately 37,000 metric tons.
"We are happy to announce the completion of this important expansion," said Heidi Barnes, Performance Chemicals and Intermediates segment Oxo and Plasticizers business director. "The added capacity reinforces our commitment to reliably supply our 2-EH customers while also supporting growth in our plasticizer business for products like Eastman 168(TM) non-phthalate plasticizer."
An oxo derivative, 2-EH is used in end products such as plasticizers, like Eastman 168(TM) non-phthalate plasticizer, 2 ethylhexyl acrylate, and additives for fuels and lube oils. End markets for 2-EH include building and construction, transportation, medical, consumables, and durable goods manufacture.
Eastman's chemicals, fibers and plastics are used as key ingredients in products that people use every day. Approximately 10,000 Eastman employees around the world blend technical expertise and innovation to deliver practical solutions. The company is committed to finding sustainable business opportunities within the diverse markets and geographies it serves. A global company headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA, Eastman had 2011 sales of $7.2 billion. For more information, visit www.eastman.com.
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Contacts:
Media: Kristin Sturgill
423-229-2526 / ksturgill@eastman.com
Investors: Gregory Riddle
212-835-1620 / griddle@eastman.com