For: ARNCO; 5141 Firestone Place; South Gate, CA 90280

Contact: Michael Isser or Mark Smith (516) 868-6645; FAX: (516) 868-7166; e-mail: info@isserpr.com

For Immediate Release 

Arnco Forms Performance Polymers Group

To Develop Unique Urethane Systems for Specialty Markets 

            Arnco, the largest manufacturer of polyurethane flatproofing elastomers in the world and a recognized leader in production of systems for microcellular tires, has announced formation of the Performance Polymers Group with the purpose of introducing unique and innovative urethane systems into specialty markets worldwide.

            The announcement was made by Arnco President Larry Carapellotti, who said the group’s business philosophy “is to form strategic long-term partnerships with its customers.” He pointed out that emphasis will be placed on advanced proprietary technology, and the development of urethane products designed to offer significant competitive benefits for its customer-partners. These will include elastomers, casting resins, integral skin foams, spray elastomer coatings and prepolymers.

            “Our stated objective for the Performance Polymers Group,” he added, “is to exceed customer expectations in every aspect of technology, quality, service and overall value.”

            Its management team is led by Marketing Manager Jack Tatum and Technical Director Steve Lucka.  Each has more than 20 years experience in the polyurethane industry. Mr. Tatum received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas and began his career in polyurethane with Bayer in 1977. He has held management positions with Olin/Arch Chemicals for 14 years prior to joining Arnco.  Mr. Lucka is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin and received his initial training with Stepan Chemical. He has served as manager of technology for major urethane systems producers in Southern California in addition to running his own business for 15 years.

            The new group is one of five business groups now operating under Arnco.  The others are Tire Flatproofing, Carefree Tire, Arnco Europe and Prepolymers (in conjunction with Era Polymers of Australia).

            “We are fortunate to be part of an organization like Arnco that has been in business for over 31 years and has built an excellent reputation for stability and reliability in our industry,” said Mr. Tatum. “Over the years, Arnco has developed a wealth of technology and manufacturing expertise that the Performance Polymers Group can now utilize to expand our business into a wide variety of markets, including many having completely new applications for polyurethane.”  

            Arnco currently operates manufacturing facilities in South Gate, Calif. and Cleveland, Ohio, and also has systems produced in Europe and Australia. Present production capacity is in excess of 70 million pounds.

            The company also has a fully equipped laboratory in South Gate with complete R&D, analytical, and physical testing capabilities and a staff of urethane chemists with more than 75 years of total experience.

            Mr. Carapellotti is very happy with the Performance Polymers Group’s business activities thus far, and said he was “enthusiastic about the potential for future growth.”  He added that Arnco plans to install additional manufacturing capacity at its 32,000-square-foot facility in Chattanooga, Tenn. as business for the Performance Polymers Group continues to expand.

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(December 2002)