Huntsman Polyurethanes Invests in Footwear Injection Molding Machine

News ahead of SIMAC highlights continuing commitment to footwear industry
SIMAC, October 8-10, 2013, Bologna, Italy

EVERBERG, Belgium – Ahead of this year’s SIMAC exhibition, Huntsman Polyurethanes has announced that it has invested in a brand new, state-of-the-art polyurethane injection molding machine at its European research and development center in Belgium.

Huntsman Polyurethanes is a leading producer of innovative materials for the footwear industry, manufacturing a full spectrum of solutions including thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs), TPU compounds, and polyether- and polyester-based technologies.

To enhance its material development capabilities, the business has purchased the very latest model in the RGE 4000 series produced by DESMA, a leading equipment supplier to the footwear industry.

Used in conjunction with existing assets, the four-station roundtable and TPU casting and / or injection unit has enabled Huntsman Polyurethanes to intensify its footwear specific product development program. Replicating real world manufacturing conditions in-house, the purchase has boosted the number of samples that the company can create for manufacturers that want to test soling materials prior to full-scale production.

At this year’s SIMAC, Huntsman Polyurethanes will talk to event attendees about its investment. The business will also showcase new products from its DALTOPED® polyether-based range of footwear materials. Specific emphasis will be placed on DALTOPED® Lite and DALTOPED® Grip – solutions that provide footwear manufacturers with viable alternatives for the replacement of EVA and rubber. Huntsman Polyurethanes will also spotlight a new robust polyester-based system technology, developed for safety shoe applications.

Alfons Tremml, Commercial Manager for Footwear at Huntsman Polyurethanes, said: “Purchasing a top of the range DESMA machine sends a strong signal to the market about our commitment to the global footwear industry. We operate in a sector where time is of the essence. Manufacturers need to turn new designs around quickly to keep pace with retail demands so material suppliers have to respond rapidly, developing new products and creating samples to send out swiftly. Our latest investment enables us to do just this. Having a brand new injection molding machine at our disposal in Europe, where the market is picking up again, gives us additional capacity, exactly where we – and our customers – need it.”

For further information about the solutions that Huntsman can offer to the footwear industry, please contact: alfons_tremml@huntsman.com

About Huntsman:
Huntsman is a global manufacturer and marketer of differentiated chemicals. Our operating companies manufacture products for a variety of global industries, including chemicals, plastics, automotive, aviation, textiles, footwear, paints and coatings, construction, technology, agriculture, health care, detergent, personal care, furniture, appliances and packaging. Originally known for pioneering innovations in packaging and, later, for rapid and integrated growth in petrochemicals, Huntsman has approximately 12,000 employees and operates from multiple locations worldwide. The Company had 2012 revenues of over $11 billion. For more information about Huntsman, please visit the company's website at www.huntsman.com.

Forward-Looking Statements:
Statements in this release that are not historical are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on management's current beliefs and expectations. The forward-looking statements in this release are subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances and involve risks and uncertainties that may affect the company's operations, markets, products, services, prices and other factors as discussed in the Huntsman companies' filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Significant risks and uncertainties may relate to, but are not limited to, financial, economic, competitive, environmental, political, legal, regulatory and technological factors. The company assumes no obligation to provide revisions to any forward-looking statements should circumstances change, except as otherwise required by applicable laws.

CONTACT:
Tania van Buyten
Tel: +32 (0) 2 758 9874
Email: tania_van_buyten@huntsman.com