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2007-07-12 News Release

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PMMA Molding Compounds JV Production for Flat Panel Displays

RAG subsidiary Degussa GmbH today started up a new production facility for PMMA molding compounds in Taichung, Taiwan, together with its JV partner Forhouse Corp.

Degussa holds a 51 percent share and Forhouse a 49 percent share in the joint venture Degussa Forhouse Optical Polymers Corporation, launched in January 2006. The construction project for the new plant, which manufactures high-quality PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate) for optical applications in flat panel displays was implemented quickly after a short planning phase.

"The Asian market for PMMA molding compounds is very attractive. Through our strategic partnership with Forhouse and by starting up the new facility, we have done a lot to strengthen our position with PMMA molding compounds in Asia and are expanding our global position as a leading supplier of PMMA," Dr. Klaus Engel, Chairman of the Managing Board of Degussa GmbH, said at the inauguration.

"Global demand for our high-quality PMMA molding compounds is set to rise significantly in the next few years," added Gregor Hetzke, President of the Methacrylates Business Unit. "The market for liquid crystal flat panel displays is currently expanding at an annual rate of more than 10 percent. The new production facility enables us to serve this growing market from our local site.“

Taichung, Taiwan: production facility for PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate) molding compounds. Click Here for larger image. photo: Degussa

The plant will have an initial annual capacity of some 40,000 metric tonnes and is designed for "over the fence" production. Apart from PMMA manufacture, the further processing of lighting modules (backlight units) for flat panel displays will also be located at this site. The integrated supply chain ensures the continuous supply of the ultra high purity optical-grade material to customers. The PLEXIGLAS* molding compounds used to manufacture optical light guides in TFT-LCD (Thin-Film-Transistor Liquid Crystal Display) flat panel displays has to meet the most stringent quality requirements to enable perfect illumination of the displays.

"The start-up of the PMMA plant marks a huge advance in our backward integration strategy and the related goal of securing the PMMA supply for our further growth," adds Francis Pan, President of Forhouse. "The plant also helps us achieve our objective of improving our cost position.“

The joint venture unites the core competencies of both partners. Degussa's comprehensive know-how along the entire process chain of methacrylate chemistry enables Forhouse to position itself favorably in the technology-driven markets for optoelectronic devices, through the joint development of innovative products.

Forhouse is one of Taiwan's leading companies in its field, with substantial expertise in manufacturing and developing lighting modules for flat-panel displays, and operates several production facilities in Taiwan and mainland China. As one of the leading suppliers of back light unit modules, Forhouse possesses excellent knowledge of the market and outstanding technical support skills. In 2006, Forhouse achieved sales of some EUR 492 million with around 6,000 employees. By combining their strengths, the two partners will not only be able to cooperate successfully in their existing business, but also develop innovative products for the expanding market.

Degussa is a leading global manufacturer of PMMA molding compounds, with production facilities in Europe, North America and Asia. With its wide product portfolio for all extrusion and injection molding applications and its strong applications know how, the Molding Compounds Business Line offers customer-specific solutions for a multitude of demanding applications.

* Degussa's Business Unit Methacrylates is a worldwide manufacturer of PMMA products sold under the PLEXIGLAS trademark on the European, Asian, African and Australian continents and under the trademark ACRYLITE in the Americas.

Read a recent press release about - Carbon black facility expansion in Paulinia strengthens global position for Degussa in the tire and technical rubber products industry.

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