NANJING, China
Eastman is pleased to announce the recent startup of its new dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE) unit at its Nanjing site. The addition will significantly increase the company's DMAE capacity, support additional sales in Asia, and further strengthen Eastman's global leadership in alkyl alkanolamines like DMAE, which is used primarily as an intermediate in water treatment.
Led by Site Manager Lisa Xiao Yan Chen, the project began several years ago and overcame several unexpected obstacles, including COVID-19.
"Even with a global pandemic, the construction had a perfect safety record," said Sabine Ketsman, vice president and general manager of Eastman's care chemicals and animal nutrition. "I'm very proud of our entire team."
Ketsman stressed that water treatment is vital in addressing increased water scarcity across the world.
"The need for clean water truly affects people's daily lives and personal well-being," she said. "This is a great example of how our products and chemistries contribute to enhancing the quality of life in a sustainable way."
Eastman, the world's largest producer of DMAE and other alkyl alkanolamines, has similar units in Belgium and the United States. Its Nanjing site makes methylamines and dimethylacetamide and has an existing alkanolamines unit that produces DMAE, MDEA, MMEA and MDIPA. Additional growth projects are planned.
"Asia is a very important growth region," Ketsman said. "Nanjing will be a critical hub for us to meet the future needs of our customers in China and the entire region."
Besides water treatment, Eastman's care chemicals business sells a broad variety of intermediates and specialty additives for the personal and home care, pharmaceutical, food and crop protection markets.
About Eastman
Founded in 1920, Eastman is a global specialty materials company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. With the purpose of enhancing the quality of life in a material way, Eastman works with customers to deliver innovative products and solutions while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability. The company's innovation-driven growth model takes advantage of world-class technology platforms, deep customer engagement, and differentiated application development to grow its leading positions in attractive end-markets such as transportation, building and construction, and consumables. As a globally inclusive and diverse company, Eastman employs approximately 14,500 people around the world and serves customers in more than 100 countries. The company had 2020 revenues of approximately $8.5 billion and is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA.
Media contact
Sybylla Wales
Senior Marketing Communications Manager
32-9-254-1404
sybyllawales@eastman.com
