Eastman Chemical Company is expanding its cyclohexane dimethanol (CHDM) capacity by 25% at its Kingsburg, Tennessee, US plant. The company expects to complete the expansion project in two phases, which will be completed in mid-2011 and 2012 respectively. Cyclohexane dimethanol (CHDM) is a monomer used to make various special plastic products.

"With the substantial increase in the production capacity of cyclohexane dimethanol (CHDM), we can meet customer demand for various copolyesters such as Eastman Tritan," the company's executive vice president and specialty polymers, coatings and adhesives Business Chief Marketing Officer Mark Costa said, "This expansion project can also increase our copolyester polymer production capacity by 25%, thereby achieving sustained growth in the future."

"After the increase in production capacity, we will further consolidate our leading position in the copolyester field, while ensuring that our customers have a stable supply of goods." Dante Rutstrom, vice president and general manager of Eastman Specialty Plastics, said frankly.