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Our history

George Eastman stands next to a man operating a camera

1920-1929

George Eastman founds Tennessee Eastman Corporation in the summer of 1920 to provide raw materials for Kodak’s photographic business. Over its first decade of operation, the Kingsport site expands its production to include products like nonflammable X-ray film and charcoal briquettes.

1930-1939

Eastman’s second decade sees expansion into materials like acetate yarn and cellulosic plastics. Eastman Tenite™ cellulosic plastic is used for a wide range of products, including steering wheels, radio knobs and poker chips. Under the leadership of Perley Wilcox, the Kingsport site begins producing hydroquinone and acetic acid, which it continues to manufacture today.

Close-up view of an old radio’s controls
A woman looks into a microscope

1940-1949

Eastman supports the U.S. during World War II with manufacturing in Kingsport. Hydroquinone becomes a critical ingredient for rubber in jeep and aircraft tires. Eastman serves as the operations lead for the Y-12 plant of Clinton Engineer Works in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, helping develop materials for the Manhattan Project.

1950-1959

Eastman operations expand to Longview, Texas. The new site produces ethylene and propylene for ethyl alcohol and aldehydes for Kingsport operations. It also produces polyethylene for use in products like packaging and cameras.  The production of acetate tow filter begins at the Kingsport site. New research labs yield a range of products like acrylic, textile and polyester fibers, adhesives, and wax coatings.

Fibers are spun onto spools
A man operating a textile machine and holding spun fibers

1960-1969

The 1960s are a period of growth for Eastman. Revenue doubles over the decade. The first manufacturing plant outside the U.S. opens in England, producing fibers. The company expands operations to keep up with growing demand for polyester textiles.

1970-1979

The company experiences strong growth as revenue grows to $2 billion by the end of the decade. Eastman introduces cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB) for high-quality automotive coatings. The oil embargo pressures the company to become less dependent on oil as a feedstock. Eastman produces the first clear-bottle polymer.

Closeup of a 1970 car’s headlights
A person in goggles runs a heat test in a lab

1980-1989

Eastman begins operating the first commercial plant designed to make industrial chemicals from coal using low-emission technology. The company joins peers in launching the Responsible Care® initiative. They commit to improving health, safety and environmental performance beyond levels required by law and to make that performance known to employees, communities and the public.

1990-1999

Eastman spins off from Kodak in 1994 as the 10th largest chemical company in the U.S. and the 34th largest in the world. Earnest W. “Earnie” Deavenport is the first CEO of the new publicly traded company, guiding Eastman through rapid global expansion. U.S. President Bill Clinton presents Eastman with the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award.

Headshot of Earnie Deavenport
Six Camelbak plastic water bottles in various colors

2000-2009

Global growth continues with the opening of a regional headquarters in the Netherlands. The company’s portfolio begins to shift with acquisitions and divestitures of some businesses and sites. Top leadership changes twice with Brian Ferguson becoming CEO in 2002 and James P. “Jim” Rogers succeeding him in 2009. Eastman’s rich legacy of innovation continues with the launch of Eastman Tritan™ copolyester in 2007. The company’s global sales exceed $5 billion.

2010-2019

Eastman continues its global portfolio evolution. Two of the largest acquisitions in its history (Solutia in 2012 and Taminco in 2014) propel the company forward in its transformation as a specialty materials company. Eastman earns international accolades, including ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year, Responsible Care Company of the Year, World’s Most Ethical Companies, Best Places to Work by Glassdoor and America’s Most JUST Companies. Mark Costa becomes CEO in 2014.

A modern building made of blue glass with rounded edges
Aerial view of Eastman’s methanolysis facility

2020 and beyond

As its second century begins, Eastman is well positioned as a leading sustainable materials company, tackling the world’s greatest challenges of climate change, plastic waste and a growing population. Advances in molecular recycling make Eastman the premier innovation leader for the circular economy. In addition to the first Kingsport molecular recycling facility, the company plans to invest in two more sites in Texas and France.

The people of Eastman continue to be the company’s single greatest advantage to deliver superior outcomes for all stakeholders. They fulfill our purpose of enhancing the quality of life in a material way.