Eastman Takes Steps to Expand Cellulose Triacetate Film Capacity

Eastman Chemical Company (NYSE:EMN) announced it has begun preliminary engineering to expand capacity for production of cellulose triacetate (CTA) to meet the growing needs of the liquid crystal display (LCD) film industry. The expansion would incorporate technology improvements necessary to provide the quality of CTA required in high-end LCD applications such as monitors, laptop computers and televisions. CTA is a key intermediate used to produce polarized films used in LCDs. The additional capacity is expected to come online at Eastman’s Kingsport, Tenn., facility by mid-2009.

“This capacity expansion would support Eastman’s commitment to our customers in the LCD film industry, as well as the company’s long-term plans for growth,” said Dante Rutstrom, vice president and general manager of Eastman’s specialty plastics business. “Eastman has long been a leader in the production of cellulose esters. Our expertise, coupled with our advanced technology, will provide the superior product quality demanded by this high-growth industry. We are taking important and necessary steps to ensure our customers that they can confidently grow their businesses with Eastman as their preferred supplier of CTA.”