KINGSPORT, TN – Eastman Chemical Co. has completed phase one of a two-phase expansion of its ketone manufacturing capacity at its Kingsport, Tennessee, operations. Eastman's ketones are coatings additives that are predominantly used in low-VOC applications in automotive, wood and industrial coatings.

"This investment reaffirms our commitment to the specialty ketones market," said Charles Giaudrone, General Manager of the Additives & Functional Products Segment's Coatings and Inks business. "In addition to world-class technology improvements to maintain Eastman's quality leadership in the market, the additional capacity enhances our ability to serve our global customer base."

Eastman has been producing ketones at the Kingsport facility for more than 50 years and is a leading manufacturer of ketones in the market. Eastman's ketones portfolio includes Eastman™ MAK, Eastman MIAK, Eastman MPK, Eastman MIBK, and Eastman DIBK.