Eastman Chemical Increases CHDM Monomer Capacity in Tennessee Facility

Eastman Chemical Company (NYSE:EMN) is in the process of expanding CHDM capacity by 25 percent at its Kingsport, Tenn., site.

The company expects to complete the expansion in two phases, with the first phase to be completed in mid-2011, and the second in 2012. CHDM is a monomer used to manufacture various specialty plastics products.

“This significant increase in CHDM capacity will enable us to address the needs of our customers in copolyesters, including Eastman Tritan™ copolyester,” said Mark Costa, executive vice president, specialty polymers, coatings and adhesives and chief marketing officer. “This expansion also better positions us for continued growth by enabling future increases in copolyester polymer capacity of up to 25 percent.”

“This additional capacity allows us to strengthen our copolyester leadership position and ensure our customers a reliable source of product,” said Dante Rutstrom, vice president and general manager of Eastman’s Specialty Plastics segment.