Friday, June 5, 2020 - Philidelphia, PA - Braskem announced the selection of Charleston, SC, as home to the company's new global export hub to serve Braskem's international customers. The new global export hub facility will provide packaging, warehousing and export shipping services to support Braskem's U.S. polypropylene (PP) production facilities. With the design and development phase well underway, the new global export hub is expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2020, and will have a capacity to support export shipments of up to 450 million pounds (204 Kilotons) of polypropylene and specialty polymers annually to Braskem customers worldwide. Braskem is partnering with the Port of Charleston and warehouse provider Frontier Logistics, which will construct, lease and provide services to Braskem under a five-year agreement. Ahead of the facility's completion, the company plans to continue to leverage its existing international export capabilities out of Houston, TX, which will also be maintained following the launch of the new Charleston global export hub. The announcement of the new South Carolina facility complements Braskem's existing network of global export hubs, which include facilities in North America, South America and Europe. Mark Nikolich, Braskem America CEO, commented, "As the largest polyolefins producer in the Americas and the leading producer of polypropylene in the United States, Braskem is focused on reinvesting in its business and leadership positions to support our clients worldwide. The build out of our new global export hub in South Carolina allows us to leverage our feedstock advantaged, polymer production assets in the U.S Gulf Goast, Pennsylvania and West Virginia to best meet our international clients' needs. With excellent access to national rail and highway networks, this important new logistics and distribution facility in the South Carolina port region significantly enhances Braskem America's international export capability." The Port of Charleston features daily express intermodal and merchandise rail services, and more than 20 ocean carriers delivering export cargo between Charleston and more than 150 nations around the world. In 2019, the South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA) handled a record high 2.44 million 20-foot equivalent container units (TEUs). The new Charleston global export hub facility is being developed as Braskem works to complete Delta, Braskem's new world-class polypropylene production line in La Porte, TX, which is nearing completion and is scheduled for the launch of commercial production in the third quarter of 2020. "The polymer resins boom in the Gulf Coast is bringing new cargo to the southeast," S.C. Ports Authority President and CEO Jim Newsome said. "Braskem selected the Port of Charleston as its east coast load port due to our market's unfettered resin export capacity, knowledge of the petrochemical industry and efficiently run port terminals. We welcome Braskem as a customer of S.C. Ports. Our strong business partnerships help to ensure S.C. Ports will continue to grow above market." To support additional shipping growth, the SCPA is currently undertaking a Charleston Harbor Deepening Project allowing for the increased ability to fill large container vessels handling up to 18,000 TEUs with heavy export cargo. Upon completion of Charleston's deepening, the Inner Harbor will offer 52 feet of depth with a 54-foot deep entrance channel, making it home to the deepest harbor on the U.S. east coast. Additionally, the SCPA has embarked on the development of the Hugh Leatherman terminal, the third such terminal in Charleston, helping ensure capacity and access as volumes continue to grow. The construction of Braskem America's new global export hub in Charleston, under its agreement with Frontier Logistics, will positively impact economic activity in the region with approximately 150 development and construction workers contracted by Frontier to fully design and construct the facility, and 60 permanent employees employed by Frontier after startup. The total economic impact that comes about through the SCPA yields a statewide employment multiplier of 2.4. This implies that, on average, for every 10 jobs that are directly supported by SCPA port operations or port users, an additional 14 jobs are created elsewhere in South Carolina.

Friday, June 5, 2020 - Greenville, SC - Michelin has been ranked No. 30 by Woman Engineer magazine among the top 50 employers in 2020. As the only tire manufacturer represented on the list, Michelin was included based on the results of an annual survey conducted in 2019 with randomly selected readers of Woman Engineer magazine. As a sustainable mobility company dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, this recognition highlights Michelin’s commitment to providing a better way forward for its customers, communities and employees. With more than 20,000 employees in the United States and Canada, Michelin has set ambitious goals focused on building leadership teams with a broader range of voices, views and backgrounds to add greater depth and breadth to the company’s approach to management. The Michelin Women’s Network and Lean In circles help build female leaders and foster an engaged female workforce around the world. “We truly care about creating a purpose-driven culture where all employees feel empowered by their individual contributions,” said Joanie Martin, chief administrative officer for Michelin North America. “Women bring different perspectives and approaches to business, resulting in a more inclusive workplace and better performance of the company.” Recognizing the importance of time off and job stability as employees grow their families, Michelin expanded its parental leave benefit to offer full pay for 12 weeks and provides a Dependent Care FSA program with a company contribution. The Michelin Mama’s group offers support and resources for working moms to find balance at work and home. Milk Stork is a complimentary service for Michelin employees to ship breastmilk home overnight while traveling. Employees also have access to pregnancy support, infertility benefits and adoption assistance. Michelin is focused on fostering gender equality for the workforce of today and tomorrow. Women at Michelin volunteer each week in local elementary and middle schools through the Michelin Challenge Education program to serve as mentors, reading buddies and tutors to introduce girls to STEM careers.

Friday, June 5, 2020 - Northville, MI - Cooper Standard announced the appointment of three new members to its board of directors: John G. Boss; Richard J. Freeland; and Adriana E. Macouzet-Flores. "We're pleased to welcome John, Richard and Adriana to our board of directors, and appreciate the value that their knowledge and experience will bring to Cooper Standard," said Jeffrey Edwards, chairman and CEO, Cooper Standard. "Each of their unique perspectives will help the company achieve its long-term strategic initiatives, deliver sustained value and further our drive profitable growth strategy." Boss served as president and chief executive officer of Momentive Performance Materials Inc., a global producer of silicones, quartz and specialty ceramic materials, serving in this capacity for six years until his retirement in March 2020. His career spans more than 30 years in the specialty chemicals and materials industry, including various executive leadership positions with Honeywell International, a producer of commercial, industrial and consumer products. Boss also serves on the board of directors of Wabash National Corp., where he sits on the compensation, and nomination and governance committees. He earned a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from West Virginia University and a Master of Business Administration degree in marketing and finance from Rutgers Graduate School of Management. Freeland most recently served as president and chief operating officer of Cummins Inc., a global manufacturer of engines, power systems and related components, from 2014 to 2019. Previously, he held various senior leadership positions at Cummins, including vice president and president of the engine business, president of the components group and president of the worldwide distribution business. He serves on the board of directors of Valvoline, where he participates on the compensation, and governance and nominating committees, and on the Purdue University advisory council. Freeland earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Purdue University and a Master of Business Administration degree from Indiana University. Macouzet-Flores currently serves as vice president, Latin America and PMC (Protective and Marine Coatings) general manager, Latin America, of PPG Industries de Mexico, S.A. de C.V., a subsidiary of PPG Industries Inc. Prior to her current position at PPG Industries de Mexico, she served as general manager, Latin America North, and general manager, Automotive OEM Coatings, from 2012 to 2017. She has more than 25 years of leadership experience in multinational settings from multiple positions of increasing responsibility at the company. Macouzet-Flores earned an undergraduate degree in chemical engineering from Universidad La Salle in Mexico City and has completed executive training courses in finance management at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business, corporate strategy at The University of Chicago Booth School of Business, and Women on Boards program at Harvard Business School.

Friday, June 5, 2020 - Houston, TX - LyondellBasell announced that it has declared a dividend of $1.05 per share, to be paid June 15 to shareholders of record June 8, with an ex-dividend date of June 5.

Friday, June 5, 2020 - Midland, MI - Dow announces new generation low cyclics, low volatile silicone surfactants supporting innovative rigid polyurethane foam formulations, addressing key energy efficiency and sustainability trends in the cold chain appliances. “Our innovations address strong industry demands for additives and surfactants, supporting customers to achieve emerging performance, sustainability and profitability challenges in the rigid polyurethane foam space,” said Justin Weare, North America marketing manager for Polyurethane Additives at Dow. “We continue to expand our industry-leading portfolio of polyurethane additives, combining unrivaled polyurethane knowledge, technical customer support capabilities, and the strongest silicone chemistry history in the industry.” Vorasurf RF 5374 additive is said to be the formulator’s choice, achieving high polyol side solubility, blend stability and clarity, when complex cabinet design requires enhanced flow and good aesthetics in applications demanding high insulation performance, such as cold chain, commercial and domestic refrigeration appliances. Vorasurf RF 5382 additive brings improved system compatibility to help maximize the insulating performance of pentane-blown rigid foams, helping address challenging energy efficiency criteria in cold chain appliances and installations. Vorasurf RF 5388 additive helps formulators meet essentially all desired properties of appliance foam systems, with higher pentane solubility, excellent flow and exceptional surface aesthetics to avoid liner defects in domestic or commercial refrigerators and freezers. Vorasurf SF 2937 additive supports enhanced k-factor in pour-in-place, continuous panel, closed-cell spray polyurethane and polyisocyanurate (PIR) insulation foam, suitable for use with a variety of traditional and more sustainable blowing agents (HC, HFO, HFC and water-blown systems). Rossella Riccio, development scientist for polyurethane additives at Dow, will present the specifics of these novel silicone surfactants and showcase their performance attributes in rigid polyurethane foam applications during a dedicated webinar on Wednesday, July 16, at 10 a.m. Eastern Time. Interested participants are invited to register online. These innovations come in addition to Dow’s portfolio of leading silicone surfactants for rigid foams, which include grades recognized as a global industry standard: Vorasurf DC 5604 additive, Vorasurf DC 193 additive and Vorasurf DC 5357 additive. Dow has been working together with the polyurethane industry for decades, offering formulators with a wide portfolio of solutions, including silicone performance additives, surfactants and release agents. Dow offers distinct technical support and innovation capabilities around the world to tailor innovative, customizable polyurethane additives to help formulators address their specific performance, sustainability and profitability objectives. For more information about Dow’s silicone polyurethane surfactants portfolio, visit www.dow.com/vorasurf.

Friday, June 5, 2020 - Akron, OH - This book covers the fatigue testing of specimens, curve fitting of equations to the test data, and the use of such equations in life prediction. Topics include the nature of rubber, history of its usage, types of rubber in brief, manufacturing methods, and stress-strain testing and behavior. Also, the text covers the application of finite element analysis to components to determine high stress points that are vulnerable to fatigue failure. By Judson T. Bauman, hardcover, 214 pages, 140 figures, $130.00 plus shipping and handling. Click here to order.