Date: 30 October 2012
The facility produces multi-layer rolls of Saflex® Q series sheet for automotive applications.
“The combination of these films and interlayers, which are laminated between two pieces of glass in a vehicle’s windscreen or side windows, represent a significant step forward in providing high performance benefits for both automotive consumers and OEMs,” says Eric Nichols, vice president of Advanced Interlayers. “These high performance interlayers assist in making cars quieter while helping to control interior temperatures and the overall energy performance of the car.” Advanced interlayers products are part of Eastman’s Advanced Materials segment.
The Ghent expansion will serve the growing global market demand for high performance acoustic automotive glazing. Nearly one in three new cars in Europe has acoustic glass, and one in six cars worldwide is being produced with acoustic dampening technology. The market for acoustic glazing is expected to grow more quickly over the next five years as automakers seek ways to reduce wind noise and improve functionality with on-board telematics and decreased glass thickness.
“This investment will enable us to continue to lead in the automotive acoustics category and allow us to further innovate and develop our comprehensive product portfolio offering for automotive glazing,” Nichols said.
Eastman is a global specialty chemicals company that produces a broad range of advanced materials, additives and functional products, specialty chemicals, and fibers that are found in products people use every day. As a world leader in the diverse markets it serves, Eastman is focused on delivering innovative and technology-based solutions while maintaining its commitment to safety and sustainability. Serving customers in approximately 100 countries, Eastman had 2011 pro forma combined revenues, giving effect to the Solutia acquisition, of approximately $9.3 billion. The company is based in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA, and, with the completion of the Solutia acquisition, now employs approximately 13,500 people around the world. For more information, visit http://www.eastman.com.
Contacts:
Media: Kristin Sturgill
423-229-2526 / ksturgill@eastman.com
Investors: Greg Riddle
212-835-1620 / griddle@eastman.com
Add new comment