DuPont Announces Plans for Corian(R) Manufacturing Plant in Spain

OVIEDO, Spain, July 16 /PRNewswire/ -- DuPont today announced that its Corian(R) solid surface material business plans to invest over $110 million in a world-class manufacturing facility at Asturias, Spain. The investment is a part of a $185 million global investment plan designed to meet increasing worldwide demand.

"For many reasons, solid surfacing material continues to replace other materials in a wide variety of applications worldwide," said Keith McLoughlin, worldwide business director, DuPont Corian(R). "Our investment in technology and additional plant capacity reflects the commitment by Corian(R) and DuPont to meet this demand with superior product and world-class service enhancements."

"This will be Europe's first dedicated site for production of Corian(R), and it reflects our strong commitment to the Europe, Middle East and Africa region," said McLoughlin. "We believe that the decision to place the Corian(R) plant in Spain will be a significant benefit for our customers in terms of quality, service and product offering."

The Asturias site will employ leading-edge technology and the most advanced production methods to produce Corian(R) in its full range of over 65 colors for residential and commercial markets around the world. Construction is expected to begin by mid 1999, and the plant will begin operation during the second half of 2001. At least 80 people will work at the plant once it is fully operational.

DuPont established its manufacturing site at Asturias in 1990. Products manufactured there currently include Nomex(R) fiber and THF, an intermediate chemical used for the manufacture of products such as DuPont Lycra(R) elastane. A plant is also under construction at the site for Sontara(R) spunlaced products and a new range of agricultural products will be produced there beginning late 1999.

DuPont Corian(R), used in residential, commercial, furniture and specialty applications, is a non-porous solid surface material that is stain-resistant, easy to clean, durable, naturally hygienic and renewable. Until now it has been manufactured primarily in the U.S. and Japan.

Founded in 1802, DuPont is a global research and technology-based life sciences, materials and energy company. DuPont serves worldwide markets, including food and nutrition; healthcare; agriculture; fashion and apparel; home and construction; electronics; transportation and energy. The company operates in about 70 countries and has more than 100,000 employees. Revenues in 1997 were more than $45 billion.

SOURCE DuPont

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