KINGSPORT, TN - Eastman Chemical Co. is in the process of expanding CHDM capacity by 25 percent at its Kingsport, TN, 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.”