Ashland Aqualon Functional Ingredients commits to a major capacity expansion for Klucel™ products

WILMINGTON, Del. – To meet growing demand, Ashland Aqualon Functional Ingredients, a commercial unit of Ashland Inc. (NYSE: ASH), has announced a major expansion plan to increase the production capacity of its Klucel™ hydroxypropylcellulose product line at its Hopewell, Va. facility. The expansion is planned in two phases with production from the initial phase to begin in October, and a second, larger expansion project to begin production in August 2011.

“We are committed to exceeding the expectations of our global customers by continuing to invest in our Klucel hydroxypropylcellulose business,” said Jeff Wolff, vice president, Regulated Industries, Ashland Aqualon Functional Ingredients. Klucel hydroxyproplycellulose is an industry-leading binder and tablet coating ingredient for pharmaceuticals and nutritional supplements worldwide.

Ashland Aqualon Functional Ingredients is a leading producer of hydrocolloids, primarily cellulose ethers, worldwide. It provides specialty additives and functional ingredients that manage the physical properties of aqueous and non-aqueous systems including rheology control, water retention, bonding strength, film formation, conditioning, deposition and stabilization. Many of its products – used in paint and coatings, construction, food, personal care, pharmaceuticals, oil and gas field production and specialty industries – are derived from renewable and natural raw materials. 

Ashland Inc. (NYSE: ASH) provides specialty chemical products, services and solutions for many of the world’s most essential industries. Serving customers in more than 100 countries, it operates through five commercial units: Ashland Aqualon Functional Ingredients, Ashland Hercules Water Technologies, Ashland Performance Materials, Ashland Consumer Markets (Valvoline) and Ashland Distribution. To learn more about Ashland, visit www.ashland.com.

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