Eastman to strengthen Global Copolyester Position

KINGSPORT, Tenn., Feb. 4 , 2004 – With plans to strengthen its leadership position in the global copolyester market, Eastman Chemical Company (NYSE:EMN) today announced it has begun consultation through its subsidiary Eastman UK Limited with the union at its facility in Hartlepool, England, regarding the future of the site.

“As we move toward becoming an even stronger supplier to the global copolyester market, we’re taking steps to create the most competitive manufacturing position possible for our products,” said Jim Rogers, executive vice president and president of the company’s Eastman Division. “Discussions such as those we’re now having at our Hartlepool site are focused on the company’s desire to provide the best value to our customers as well as to our stockholders.”

The Hartlepool plant, which has approximately 80 employees, produces copolyesters that are used in a wide range of packaging applications. Eastman said that production activities at the Hartlepool site will continue to operate as normal while discussions with the unions are held.

“Eastman intends to provide continued supply to our European customers who now receive copolyester product from the Hartlepool site,” said David Speicher, regional business director.

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