Ashland adds full production-scale laminator to development and analytics capabilities

DUBLIN, Ohio. - Finding the "perfect fit" for an adhesive and a specific flexible packaging application can be challenging, especially considering the time and resources required to test and run commercial-scale trials at customer production facilities.

As a world leader in laminating adhesives and coatings, Ashland Performance Materials, a commercial unit of Ashland Inc. (NYSE: ASH), is making the search for a perfect fit easier with the installation of a Nordmeccanica Super Combi 3000 laminator at its state-of-the-art research and development center in Dublin, Ohio.

"Through highly customized products and a dedicated technical team, we work directly with customers to create products uniquely suited for their applications and processes," said Dave Hatgas, global director, packaging and converting adhesives and coatings. "The addition of the laminator to our product development and analytics capabilities will allow us to run commercial-scale trials for our label and flexible packaging customers, as well as label printer/converters seeking to expand into flexible packaging applications."

The Nordemeccanica Super Combi 3000 full production scale laminator (52" wide) can run up to 1,300 feet of film per minute, and will be used in tandem with Ashland's technical and regulatory expertise to develop new laminating chemistries, optimize processes, and perform quality and safety evaluations prior to beginning production.

"Ashland is committed to finding the best solutions for our customers, and by making this significant investment we are demonstrating our long-term commitment to serving our laminating and adhesive customers around the world," added Hatgas.

"We are excited at the opportunity to provide Ashland with this equipment, and I know that our equipment combined with Ashland's technical expertise and proven products will add significant value to their customers," said Giancarlo Caimmi, General Manager, Nordmeccanica N.A., Ltd.

To learn more about Ashland's chemistries and capabilities within the global flexible packaging market, please visit an Ashland expert in booth #5842 at PackExpo, from Oct. 28 - 31, in Chicago, Ill.

About Ashland
Ashland Performance Materials is the global leader in unsaturated polyester resins and vinyl ester resins. In addition, it provides customers with leading technologies in gelcoats, pressure-sensitive and structural adhesives, coatings and elastomers.

In more than 100 countries, the people of Ashland Inc. (NYSE: ASH) provide the specialty chemicals, technologies and insights to help customers create new and improved products for today and sustainable solutions for tomorrow. Our chemistry is at work every day in a wide variety of markets and applications, including architectural coatings, automotive, construction, energy, food and beverage, personal care, pharmaceutical, tissue and towel, and water treatment. Visit ashland.com to see the innovations we offer through our four commercial units - Ashland Specialty Ingredients, Ashland Water Technologies, Ashland Performance Materials and Ashland Consumer Markets.

About Nordmeccanica Group:
Nordmeccanica is globally the largest manufacturer of coating and laminating machinery. During 30 years the Italian Company has delivered to the industry almost 1,500 machines. Among them are state of the art 3-ply laminators in one single pass; high performance coaters and laminators; as well as innovative compact machinery for solvent-free lamination. Nordmeccanica is based in Italy with representative offices all over the world.

Nordmeccanica NA, the Nordmeccanica Group company responsible for North America, provides sales and after sales services from the Long Island, NY location.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
Media Relations
Karen Barnish
+1 (614) 790-4025
kbarnish@ashland.com