Epolene G polymers will not be included in Westlake Chemical transaction

KINGSPORT, Tenn. Nov. 6, 2006—Eastman Chemical Company has reaffirmed its commitment to the company's Epolene G polymer customers by announcing that the Epolene G family of products will remain a part of Eastman's product portfolio. On Oct. 10 Eastman announced that it had entered into a definitive agreement with Westlake Chemical Corp. for the sale of Eastman's polyethylene and Epolene polymer businesses, related assets and the company's ethylene pipeline. 

Upon the closing of the agreement with Westlake Chemical Corp., the Epolene G product family will be renamed Eastman G polymers.  Eastman will continue to produce and sell these products globally under the name Eastman G polymers – polymers that offer key manufacturing benefits in glass reinforced plastic and wood plastic composites. 

"We want to reassure our customers globally that Eastman will continue to manufacture and sell its family of Epolene G products while delivering the same level of customer service as in the past," said Jeff Redmond, global general manager for Eastman's adhesives and polymers business.  "The renamed Eastman G family of products complements Eastman's product portfolio and expertise in polymer modification and remains a strategic fit for the company's polymers business."

Eastman is committed to its customers and the markets it serves and will continue to work closely with customers to ensure a high level of service.  Customers should expect to receive the same quality products and technical service as they've come to know from Eastman.