KINGSPORT, TENN. (July 24, 2002)-Eastman Chemical Company (NYSE: EMN) has announced the consolidation of its adhesives and graphic arts businesses. The new business unit, Adhesives, Polymers and Inks, will be headed by Don Blair as general manager. Blair is currently general manager of Eastman's Adhesives and Polymers business unit. "Our goal is to provide customers with products, services and solutions they want and value," explained Francois Vleugels, vice president and general manager of Eastman's Coatings, Adhesives, Specialty Polymers and Inks business. "In order to rapidly identify and respond to market dynamics, we will combine the graphic arts organization and the adhesives organization, effective Oct. 1, 2002." Vleugels added that combining the businesses allows Eastman to take advantage of technologies and competencies common to both businesses. Sharing these additional resources and expertise puts Eastman in a position to more quickly respond to customer needs through product innovation and technologies that deliver value and create win-win situations. John O'Mahoney, currently chief executive officer of Eastman Resins, Inc., will assist with the business transition before leaving Eastman Chemical Company to pursue other opportunities in October. Eastman has a long history of supplying raw materials to the adhesive and sealants industry and helping to meet customers' formulating and business needs. Lawter Graphic Arts Technologies, part of the technology portfolio of Eastman Chemical Company, has served the printing ink market for more than 60 years. Customers rely on this knowledge base to meet the ever-changing market demands for printing ink vehicles, resins, wax compounds and waterborne polymers.