25 Nov 2003
U.S. Ambassador Dedicates Eastman’s Regional Headquarters Europe, Middle East and Africa Managed and Supported from New Site
KINGSPORT, Tenn., Nov. 20, 2003 –U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands Clifford M. Sobel, dedicated Eastman Chemical Company’s (NYSE: EMN) newly constructed regional headquarters in Capelle aan den IJssel, in ceremonies held today at the new facility near Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
Following his comments to an audience that included more than 120 guests, Sobel inaugurated the building by unveiling a plaque. In addition to the ambassador, guests included local dignitaries, representatives from various European Chemical and Plastic Federations, and the press.
“With the opening of its new European headquarters, Eastman is
now able to better address the challenges and changes in today's global
business environment,” Sobel told the audience. “I am very happy to be here to help Eastman open their new offices and am very pleased to see a great American company demonstrate yet again, the benefits of locating their European operations in the Netherlands.”
Godefroy Motte, president of Eastman Division Europe, Middle East & Africa, said: “I believe we need to balance short term results with long term vision. Only a good long term vision offers probability of long-term sustained success. This move to our new location positions us to respond quickly to economic recovery and improving business conditions.”
Noting that many of Eastman’s products were used in the construction of the headquarters, Motte said: “Our red Eastman logo on the façade of our building is the first use of our Kelvx resin for outdoor signage in Europe, and also the Italian designed chairs in our company restaurant on the top floor are made out of Eastman materials”.
The new headquarters consolidates three Eastman offices, which were formerly located in The Hague and Rotterdam. Organizations occupying the new site include the company’s Europe, Middle East and Africa Customer Service Center, shared Financial Service Center as well as regional functions for human resources, information technology, sales and marketing. In total, about 170 Eastman employees representing some 18 different nationalities are working in the complex.
Reader enquiries
Eastman Chemical Company
Fascinatio Boulevard 602-614
2909 VA Capelle a/d IJssel
Netherlands
Notes for editors
About Eastman Chemical Company
Eastman Chemical Company (NYSE: EMN) manufactures and markets chemicals, fibers and plastics worldwide. It provides key differentiated coatings, adhesives and specialty plastics products; is the world’s largest producer of PET polymers for packaging; and is a major supplier of cellulose acetate fibers. Eastman is leveraging its heritage of innovation and strength in polyester, acetyl and organic chemistry technologies to drive growth and meet increasing demand in four select markets: building and construction, packaging, healthcare, and electronics. Founded in 1920 and headquartered in Kingsport, Tenn., Eastman is a FORTUNE 500 company with 2004 sales of $6.6 billion and approximately 12,000 employees.
For more information about Eastman and its products, visit www.eastman.com.
Related images
Many of Eastman’s products were used in the construction of the headquarters, The red Eastman logo on the façade of the building is the first use of Kelvx resin for outdoor signage in Europe, and also the Italian designed chairs in the company restaurant on the top floor are made out of Eastman materials.
Editorial enquiries
Corinne van Iersel
Eastman Chemical Company
Willem van de Velde
EMG