European Coatings Show 2009 a success for Huntsman

A higher than expected turnout underpinned a very successful European Coatings Show 2009 for Huntsman’s four exhibiting divisions – Polyurethanes, Pigments, Performance Products and Advanced Materials.

Throughout the four day exhibition, experts from Huntsman were kept busy with a steady stream of visitors wanting to discuss the wide variety of advanced technologies on display. One of the key themes to arise from discussions was an underlying optimism about the market.

A spokesperson for Huntsman said: “We were really buoyed by the number of people from the industry who took the time to visit the exhibition this year, which was certainly more than we anticipated. What really marked our attendance at European Coating Show this year was that a large number of customers visiting our stand were more up-beat about the market than we have seen in the past couple of years.

“This feedback was received across all the business divisions exhibiting at the event and really shows that the market is prepared to work hard to overcome the current global economic situation.”

In addition to promoting key products from each of the attending divisions, Huntsman also sought to raise money for its charitable arm by auctioning unique sculptures and prints developed specifically for European Coatings Show 2009. The pieces of art represented key elements from each of the attending divisions, including chemical compounds and brand values. The auction was very successful and raised in excess of EURO 5,000 for the Huntsman Cancer Institute.

Ilse Vanden Brande, marketing executive (ACE) for Huntsman Polyurethanes, said: “The response we had to our charitable auction was fantastic and beyond expectation. The money raised will make a big difference to those who benefit from the Huntsman Cancer Institute and its work. I would like to personally thank all those who contributed.”

For more information please contact Nick Tapper / Rachel Griffiths on +44(0)1223 884 600 or nick.tapper@war.uk.com.

About Huntsman
Huntsman is a global manufacturer and marketer of differentiated chemicals.  Its 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 today has more than 12,000 employees and operates from multiple locations worldwide. 
The Company had 2008 revenues exceeding $10 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. In addition, the completion of any transactions described in this release is subject to a number of uncertainties and closing will be subject to approvals and other customary conditions. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that such transactions will be completed or that the company’s expectations will be realized. The company assumes no obligation to provide revisions to any forward-looking statements should circumstances change, except as otherwise required by applicable laws.

Contact:

Ilse Vanden Brande, tel:+ 32 2 758 7420