New building to showcase company’s commitment to growth and sustainability
KINGSPORT, Tenn.,– Eastman Chemical Company executives were joined by Tennessee officials to break ground on the future site of the company’s new Corporate Business Center. The building will be an expansion of the company’s current corporate campus, located on South Wilcox Drive in Kingsport, Tenn. The new building is expected to be completed in 2015.
“Our new Corporate Business Center is a tangible example of the growth that we have envisioned for Eastman, and that our employees have worked hard to achieve,” said Jim Rogers, Chairman and CEO. “It is also a clear demonstration of Eastman’s commitment to this region and to a sustainable future for our company.”
“Eastman has been an integral part to this region’s and the state’s economy for nearly 100 years, and I want to congratulate and thank Eastman and its employees for all of their work that makes a day like today possible,” Gov. Bill Haslam said. “I look forward to watching this global company continue to grow and thrive right here in Northeast Tennessee.”
Eastman President and CEO-designate Mark Costa added, “The building will not only give us the space we need to grow, but it will allow us to bring employees from across the Kingsport site together to establish a work environment that will improve productivity and better facilitate innovation and collaboration.”
Tennessee Lieutenant Governor Ron Ramsey commented, “It is great to be a part of this day and I am extremely pleased that Eastman has decided to expand its corporate office in Kingsport. Clearly, Eastman recognizes that Tennessee is a great place to do business and we look forward to working with them to help grow their business even more in the years to come.”
The new Corporate Business Center will feature sustainable design elements and products, including Eastman’s high-performance and energy efficient materials that are widely used in new building construction. The building will include a cafeteria and dining area, customer meeting space, and a fitness center. Also as part of the new construction are employee and visitor parking and an enclosed walkway across Wilcox Drive connecting the corporate campus.
The Corporate Business Center is part of Project Inspire, which is Eastman’s seven-year $1.6 billion investment in the Kingsport site. Project Inspire enables the company to invest in, among other things, new growth opportunities, safety and environmental projects, increased warehouse capacity, and building renovations. Also as part of the project, Eastman plans to add 300 high-quality new jobs at the Kingsport site over the next seven years.
Eastman is a global specialty chemical company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. With a portfolio of specialty businesses, Eastman works with customers to deliver innovative products and solutions while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability. Its market-driven approaches take advantage of world-class technology platforms and leading positions in attractive end-markets such as transportation, building and construction and consumables. Eastman focuses on creating consistent, superior value for all stakeholders. As a globally diverse company, Eastman serves customers in approximately 100 countries and had 2012 pro forma combined revenues, giving effect to the Solutia acquisition, of approximately $9.1 billion. The company is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA and employs approximately 13,500 people around the world. For more information, visit www.eastman.com.