JOINT VENTURE FOR THE PRODUCTION OF ACRYLIC ACID
03 February 2000 - Rohm & Haas Co

The Degussa-Hüls AG subsidiary Stockhausen GmbH & Co. KG and the Rohm and Haas Company of Philadelphia, USA announced they have established a joint venture for the production of acrylic acid, an initial product for superabsorbers, among other things.The 50-50 joint venture, which will be called StoHaas Monomer GmbH & Co. KG, has received all necessary government approvals, and will be fully operational by the end of 2000. The company will be headquartered in Marl, Germany. The companies had announced their intent to form this venture in June 1999.

In addition, Rohm and Haas expanded its $400 million merchant monomers business with the acquisition of Stockhausen's European monomers business.

Acrylic acid is an extremely important raw material for both companies. Stockhausen, a leading international supplier of superabsorbers, needs acrylic acid for the manufacture of these products, which are used for the most part in the hygiene industry, e.g. for diapers. In addition to this, acrylic acid is an important raw material for water treatment products, for example for use in water treatment plants, also part of Stockhausen's core business. Among other things, Rohm and Haas uses acrylic acid and its secondary products for a wide range of acrylate-based materials, which are used in the manufacture of paints, coatings, adhesives and plastics, etc.

Initially, StoHaas will produce 330,000 tons of crude acrylic acid annually, sourced from operations in Deer Park, Texas and at Chemiepark Marl, Germany. Beginning in 2003, StoHaas will increase capacity at Marl and will then produce a total of 430,000 tons of crude acrylic acid annually.

http://www.rohmhaas.com/

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