Eastman And West Tech Announce Agreement To Produce Rosin Derivatives And Resin Dispersions In China

Kingsport, TN - Eastman Chemical Company, through its Chinese subsidiary, Eastman (Shanghai) Chemical Commercial Co., Ltd., has entered into an exclusive, long-term agreement with West Tech Chemical Ltd. under which West Tech will build and operate a manufacturing facility in YunFu, in China's GuangDong province, to produce rosin derivatives and resin dispersions to support Eastman's current and future customer needs in the Asia Pacific region.

"This agreement demonstrates Eastman's commitment to serving our customers in the Asia Pacific region and to maintaining our broad product line and global presence as a leading supplier to the adhesives and polymer modification industries," said Damon Warmack, vice president and general manager for Eastman's coatings, adhesives, specialty polymers and inks business. "Our goal is to provide our customers with an uninterrupted supply of high-quality rosin derivatives and resin dispersions."

Construction of West Tech's new plant is scheduled to be completed during the first quarter of 2006, with commercial production to begin immediately thereafter. When fully operational, the plant's annual capacity will be 5,000 metric tons for rosin derivatives and 5,000 metric tons for resin dispersions.

"The agreement with Eastman to produce high-quality products is an important achievement for the Chinese chemical industry and for GuangDong province," said Guochao Zeng, director of West Tech. "Through this initiative, we will support Eastman's growth strategy for the Asia Pacific region as well as provide employment opportunities for the Chinese people."

Products to be produced for Eastman at the new facility will include a range of rosin derivatives, including specialty esters based on polymerized rosins. The resin dispersions product line will include products targeted for use in pressure sensitive label applications and general pressure sensitive adhesives. The applications and markets for the rosin ester products include hot melt adhesives for bookbinding and packaging, chewing gum, woodworking adhesives and nonwoven construction adhesives.

"The specifications and regulatory clearances for products produced for Eastman at the West Tech plant will be the same as those manufactured at our existing facilities," said Warmack.

SOURCE: West Tech