DSM DYNEEMA AWARDED CONTRACT TO PROVIDE HIGH END ARMOR PROTECTION FOR US MILITARY COMBAT VEHICLES

Urmond (NL), October 5, 2007 - DSM Dyneema today announced that Composix Co., a leading US manufacturer of vehicle armor, has selected its product Dyneema® HB26 to fulfill an order from a major US Department of Defense contractor for a high-end armor system. Dyneema® HB26 unidirectional (UD) bullet-resistant composite offers a unique combination of light weight for enhanced vehicle mobility, maneuverability, and excellent ballistic performance versus new, and emerging unconventional threats such as IEDs and EFPs. Composix will produce hard ballistic armor panels with Dyneema® for about 1000 vehicles.

Dyneema® HB26 is based on Dyneema®, the world’s strongest fiber™. It is a construction of several layers, with the direction of fibers in each layer placed at 90° to the direction of the fibers in the adjacent layers. Dyneema® HB26 not only provides excellent protection against high power rifles, but also against unconventional threats which are becoming the norm rather than the exception today.

“The continuing evolution of threats to military vehicles is a constant challenge for armor manufacturers,” said Larry Dickson, CEO for Composix Co. “The high stopping power of Dyneema® Hard Ballistic Solutions, combined with the manufacturing capability of Composix, enabled us to meet extremely stringent criteria of the US military. In Dyneema® we find the attributes to manufacture a system that is effective for defeating the full range of threats.”

“The specific targeting of Dyneema® UD for use in high end armor for the US military, is a milestone contract as it attests to the overall excellence of our material in protecting the occupants of vehicles in harm’s way,” said David Cordova, Vice President New Business Development Life Protection Americas DSM Dyneema. “We are pleased that lightweight, tough Dyneema® HB26 is playing a key role in safeguarding US troops and their vehicles, while enhancing their ability to move quickly and easily in a variety of terrain. As the threats in combat continue to increase, and vehicle armor weight continues to grow, the use of Dyneema® provides the breakthrough required in “spiral” armor protection”

About DSM Dyneema

DSM Dyneema is the inventor and manufacturer of Dyneema®, the world’s strongest fiber™. Dyneema® is an ultra strong polyethylene fiber that offers maximum strength combined with minimum weight. It is up to 15 times stronger than quality steel and up to 40% stronger than aramid fibers, both on weight for weight basis. Dyneema® floats on water and is extremely durable and resistant to moisture, UV light and chemicals. The applications are therefore more or less unlimited. Dyneema® is an important component in ropes, cables and nets in the fishing, shipping and offshore industries. Dyneema® is also used in safety gloves for the metalworking industry and in fine yarns for applications in sporting goods and the medical sector. In addition, Dyneema® is also used in bullet resistant armor and clothing for police and military personnel.

Dyneema® is produced in Heerlen (The Netherlands) and in Greenville, North Carolina (U.S.A.). DSM Dyneema is also a partner in a high modulus polyethylene (HMPE) manufacturing joint venture in Japan. Further information on DSM Dyneema is available at www.dyneema.com.

About DSM

DSM creates innovative products and services in Life Sciences en Materials Sciences contributing to the quality of life. DSM's products and services are used globally in a wide range of markets and applications, supporting a healthier, more sustainable and enjoyable way of living. End markets include human and animal nutrition and health, personal care, pharmaceuticals, automotive, coatings and paint, electrics & electronics, life protection and housing. The company strategy, Vision 2010 - Building on Strengths, focuses on accelerating profitable and innovative growth of the company's specialties portfolio. The key drivers of this strategy are market-driven growth and innovation, an increased presence in emerging economies and operational excellence. DSM has annual sales of almost €9 billion and employs some 22,000 people worldwide. The company is headquartered in the Netherlands, with locations in Europe, Asia, the Americas, Africa and Australia. More information on DSM can be found at www.dsm.com.

Dyneema®, Dyneema Purity® and Dyneema®, the world's strongest fiber™ are trademark(s) (applications) owned by Royal DSM N.V.

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