Eastman First Chemical Company to Offer E-Commerce Capability.

KINGSPORT, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 29, 1999--

Eastman Chemical Company (NYSE:EMN), in keeping with its long tradition of innovation and customer service, is announcing the inauguration of E-commerce capability to its World Wide Website, eastman.com. Beginning in July, registered users logging onto eastman.com will have access to a broad range of business-to-business online information and services. Initially, the electronic business service will be available to customers in the United States and Canada. Eastman intends to expand the service globally.

"Our objective is to make it easier for our customers to do business with Eastman. Customers can benefit by participation with ready access and constant availability. With this enhancement of our website we have made a substantial investment in improving service to our customers," said Fred A. Buehler, Eastman's director of electronic business. "The Customer Service Representative will still be there to provide the personal attention Eastman has long offered. The E-commerce site is a complimentary, online service that will give our customers convenient access to the information they require at the precise moment they need it, from account status to product and technical data. Through eastman.com they will have that access, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week."

The addition of an electronic commerce extranet to the Eastman website provides customers with a secure link to enhanced online services and tools, such as a product information catalog, technical product help center, online site for business transactions, and personalized profile and account.

"Customer service will be enhanced through faster response time, more helpful information, and expert help when needed," said Buehler.

After logging onto the website, registered users will be able to easily place purchase orders, review the status of previously placed orders, revise orders or verify the delivery status of railcar orders through railcar tracking. They may also request a certificate of analysis (COA) for any Eastman product. A demo of Eastman's E-commerce system is available on eastman.com. Visitors to the demo who register will receive a free gift and be eligible to win one of ten Dell computers.

Detailed product and technical data enhance the business services. An online product catalog gives customers considering a new application or product a searchable tool to retrieve information on all Eastman products, including application information, technical data sheets, material and safety data sheets, and health, safety and environmental information.

For more detailed information on how to use Eastman products in specific applications, there is a searchable technical help service. Customers can key in a single word and bring up articles from Eastman's extensive archives that relate to their area of concern.

To develop its electronic business program, Eastman partnered with a pilot group of customers to ensure online features meet customer needs. "This is a whole new way for us to do business and a venture into uncharted waters, given that we are the first in the industry to offer E-commerce. The pilot program was a tremendous opportunity for us to partner with our customers, share learning experiences, and create, innovate and shape an E-commerce program to suit their needs," said Buehler.

According to William Weinert, purchasing manager for Rexam Plastics, a pilot customer, Rexam has long been committed to reducing internal paperwork and conducting business electronically. Partnering with Eastman was a "natural fit."

"Eastman is providing a service to us, which in our opinion will save us time, money and record keeping. We have used the product search tool, obtained data sheets, placed orders and reviewed the history of our orders. It's a very good system for us and will be appropriate for all their customers who want to deal with them electronically. They have been careful to provide information and services that are right for both Eastman and for their customers," said Weinert.

David Allen, manager of technical services and operations for pilot customer BITEC said, "The technical services are fantastic. We've browsed through them to evaluate chemicals and polymers to determine exactly how they fit into our program. No other vendor offers a tool of this nature. The website has given us the flexibility to instantly respond and revise an order if the need arises. We have seen a benefit in terms of internal tracking, which impacts efficiency and budget."

"Companies that pursue E-commerce now will be far ahead of those sitting back--they'll be missing the boat. Eastman saw the need, aggressively approached the challenge and has been successful. It's a good service and obviously a success story," said Allen.

Security is of vital importance to Eastman. Registered users have access only to the information in the account for which they have been authorized.

"This is a first step for E-commerce, but it will quickly become a very important part of our industry. E-commerce technology is going to fundamentally change the way business is done in the chemical industry. Eastman will continue to invest in enhancements to our website that will improve products and services for our customers. We are committed to leading the plastics and chemical industry into the digital age, not just to embrace the technology, but to better serve our customers," said Buehler.

Headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, U.S.A., Eastman Chemical Company manufactures and markets plastics, chemicals and fibers. The company employs 16,000 people in more than 30 countries and had 1998 sales of US$4.48 billion.