ALTANA More than Doubles Production Capacity for BYK Additives in the U.S.

Expansion of Wallingford, Connecticut facility emphasizes commitment to local customers and North American business; investment is single largest made by ALTANA outside of Germany; globally harmonized manufacturing increases worldwide supply chain security.

The specialty chemicals group ALTANA announced the grand opening of its BYK USA Inc. expanded facility in Wallingford, Connecticut. With this state of the art plant, BYK more than doubles production capacity in the U.S. and increases worldwide supply chain security for its additives. The expansion project represents a $50 Million investment from ALTANA, the largest single investment the Group has made outside of Germany. "Today marks a very important moment in ALTANA's growth strategy," said Dr. Matthias L. Wolfgruber, CEO, ALTANA AG. "With this expanded facility we will accelerate our growth in North America." Currently, ALTANA operates eight subsidiaries, 18 production facilities and 19 laboratories in the U.S. With more than 1,000 employees here, the company generated sales of around € 290 million, or 16 percent of its entire global business in 2013. "This expansion enables us to efficiently service our U.S. customers with an enhanced portfolio of BYK additives manufactured in a facility built to the highest standards of safety", said Dirk Plas, President, BYK USA Inc. "We are fully committed to investing in our customers' future and to growing our business."

//About ALTANA

ALTANA develops and produces high-quality, innovative products in the specialty chemicals business. The ALTANA Group, with headquarters in Wesel/Germany, is a genuine "global player" with about 85% of its sales generated by international activities. The ALTANA Group has four divisions: BYK Additives & Instruments, ECKART Effect Pigments, ELANTAS Electrical Insulation, and ACTEGA Coatings & Sealants. All of these divisions occupy a leading position in their target markets with respect to quality, product solution expertise, innovation and service. At present, the ALTANA Group has 46 production facilities and more than 50 service and research laboratories worldwide. Throughout the Group more than 5,700 people work to ensure the success of ALTANA worldwide. In 2013, ALTANA achieved sales of more than 1.8 billion euros.