ASHLAND COMPLETES EXPANSION OF HYDROXYETHYLCELLULOSE PLANT IN NANJING

Ashland Inc. (Columbus, Ohio; www.ashland.com) recently completed a capacity expansion for hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC), marketed under the brand Natrosol, in Nanjing, China. This expansion increased the manufacturing capacity of the site by nearly 30%. Key markets for HEC include coatings, personal care, oil and gas, construction and pharmaceuticals. “This capacity expansion enables us to support our customers’ growing demand for Natrosol HEC,” said Chris Brown, vice president, and general manager of Ashland Coatings. “Continuing to maximize our current network provides Ashland with a better return on capital versus building a new plant while also strengthening our cost position.”