Company names to watch

Degussa AG, Frankfurt, Germany, said it will expand its carbon-black production capacity at the Qingdao Degussa Chemical Co. Ltd. joint venture in Shandong province, China. Degussa said the move will add 20,000 metric tons to the facility's current annual capacity of 50,000 mt by the end of 2004.

Eastman Chemical Co., Kingsport, TN, said it has received "numerous inquiries from interested parties" regarding the possible divestiture of businesses and product lines in the company's coatings, adhesives, specialty polymers and inks (CASPI) segment. In an update on possible restructuring, divestiture and consolidation moves for the businesses, Eastman also said it plans to reduce its work force by approximately 600 employees over the next six to nine months through a combination of attrition and "involuntary separations."

UCB S.A.'s Surface Specialties business, Brussels, announced plans to build a new production facility for Radcure resins in St.-Ghislain, Belgium, with operation of the plant expected to get under way in 2006. The plant will have an annual production capacity of 30,000 metric tons of Radcure monomers, and is part of the Surface Specialties' worldwide growth plan.