Ashland to increase resin and gelcoat prices in EMEA

BARCELONA, Spain – Ashland Performance Materials, a commercial unit of Ashland Inc. (NYSE: ASH), is increasing the prices of its complete portfolio of unsaturated polyester resins and epoxy vinyl ester resins by 100 euros per ton, and gelcoats and derivatives by 150 euros per ton sold in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) effective April 1, 2011, or at the earliest possible time depending on individual customer contracts. This is the third price increase since January 2011.

The pricing action is primarily driven by the continued rapid escalation in costs for key raw materials and utilities at Ashland’s manufacturing units. Responding to changing market conditions allows Ashland to continue to provide innovative products and industry-leading support that add value for customers.   

Ashland Performance Materials is the global leader in unsaturated polyester resins and epoxy vinyl ester resins. In addition, it provides customers with leading technologies in gelcoats, pressure-sensitive and structural adhesives.

In more than 100 countries, the people of Ashland Inc. (NYSE: ASH) provide the specialty chemicals, technologies and insights to help customers create new and improved products for today and sustainable solutions for tomorrow. Our chemistry is at work every day in a wide variety of markets and applications, including architectural coatings, automotive, construction, energy, personal care, pharmaceutical, tissue and towel, and water treatment. Visit www.ashland.com to see the innovations we offer through our five commercial units – Ashland Aqualon Functional Ingredients, Ashland Hercules Water Technologies, Ashland Performance Materials, Ashland Consumer Markets (Valvoline) and Ashland Distribution.

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