INVISTA Plans to Double Capacity of Airbag Fiber Facility in Shanghai

Asia’s largest airbag fiber plant to help meet growing demand

SHANGHAI - October 20, 2010 - INVISTA has announced its intent to expand its airbag and industrial fiber manufacturing plant in the Qingpu District of Shanghai, China. Plans are being drawn up for the plant which produces high-tenacity nylon 6,6 fiber used primarily for airbags to double its capacity by 2013, making it the largest airbag fiber plant in the region.

“INVISTA built its Qingpu airbag fiber plant with expansion in mind,” said Jeff Brown, vice president, INVISTA Performance Surfaces & Materials. “The additional investment to install more machines based on our standard global platform will put us at the leading edge of quality, supply capability and performance in a demanding market.”

INVISTA announced this news at an automotive airbag suppliers forum it hosted at the International Trade Fair for Technical Textiles and Nonwovens (Cinte Techtextil China) held from October 19 to October 21 in Shanghai. In addition to showcasing its range of superior nylon 6,6 fibers for use in industrial applications such as automotive airbags, the company also hosted the forum where key industry players and experts gathered to share the latest market trends and its point-of-view on existing and upcoming market needs.

“Global automotive production is projected to grow significantly in the coming years with particular strength in Asia and South America,” said Brown at the forum. “In Asia, we have seen growing demand for high-tenacity airbag fibers, due to rising automotive safety standards as well as increasing airbag fitment. China is on the leading edge of change in both areas.”

With production and research-and-development facilities in Asia, Europe and North America, INVISTA has the unique ability to produce advanced technical yarn across the globe. The company continues to develop new technology and innovations to meet the continued growth in demand for airbag fiber.

INVISTA has been supplying airbag-fiber material to the auto industry since the 1980’s. The Qingpu plant’s location in Shanghai, being close to major automotive supply chains, helps INVISTA respond swiftly and flexibly to local, regional and global customers’ needs.

About INVISTA

INVISTA is one of the world’s largest integrated producers of polymers and fibers, primarily for nylon, spandex and polyester applications. With a business presence in over 20 countries, INVISTA’s global businesses deliver exceptional value for their customers through technology innovations, market insights and a powerful portfolio of global trademarks including: ADI-PURE®, ANTRON®, AVORA®, C12™, COMFOREL®, COOLMAX®, CORDURA®, CORFREE®, DACRON®, DBE®, DYTEK®, FRESHFX®, LYCRA®, PERFORMA™, POLARGUARD®, POLYSHIELD®, POLYCLEAR®, SOLARMAX®, STAINMASTER®, SUPPLEX®, SUPRIVA™, TACTEL®, TACTESSE®, TERATE®, TERATHANE® and THERMOLITE®. For more information, visit www.INVISTA.com.