KINGSPORT, Tenn. - On November 17, 2005, Eastman Chemical Company inaugurated its China Lab in Shanghai, China, to support the development of new formulations and performance-enhancing applications for North Asia-based customers primarily in the coatings, adhesives and plastics industries.

Eastman's Chief Technology Officer and Senior Vice President Greg O. Nelson unveiled the new facility, the first of its kind in the region, with customer representatives and employees at a grand ribbon-cutting ceremony. "The China Lab represents Eastman's latest commitment to the Chinese market," said Nelson. "This strategic investment enables us to introduce our world-class expertise and decades of technical excellence to this dynamic market for the benefit of our local customers."

The Eastman China Lab is located in the Pudong New Development Area of Shanghai. Scientists and engineers at the Eastman China Lab will partner with local universities, customers and research institutions to provide faster, enhanced technical assistance as well as facilitate strategic or joint-development projects and partnerships.