ST. LOUIS (April 12, 2007) – In its ongoing effort to meet the growing global demand for polyamide 66 resins and compounds (PA66), Solutia Inc. has added an additional 40,000 metric tons of production capacity for its Vydyne® and Ascend® PA66 products. The expansion to Solutia’s nylon plastics and polymers division is the secon phase in a series of capacity increases that began in 2006 and is expected to continue through 2008.

The latest capacity increase results from reconfiguring existing manufacturing resources which will generate additional output of the PA66 products at Solutia’s facility in Pensacola, Fla., the world’s largest integrated PA66 manufacturing plant. Together, the two phases account for a 72,000-metric-ton capacity boost. “Solutia recognizes the significant increase in demand for Vydyne and Ascend products throughout the world, especially in China and other Asian regions,” notes Mike Berezo, general manager of market molecules for Solutia’s Integrated Nylon business. “This expansion project is case-in-point that we’re committed to delivering high-quality PA66 products, and capable of rapidly responding to meet ever-increasing supply needs.”

Vydyne PA66 resins are used primarily in injection molding and extrusion applications in the automotive, consumer, electrical and electronic, and industrial markets. Ascend PA66 polymers are used primarily in the textile, carpet, and industrial fiber markets. Nadim Qureshi, general manager for Solutia’s nylon plastics and polymers, stated that the growth in these markets is a key factor in the demand increase, particularly for Vydyne PA66 resins.

“China’s automotive industry is growing dramatically, which has prompted much of the demand we’ve been experiencing from that region for Vydyne PA66,” explains Qureshi. “Customers trust the quality and performance they get using Vydyne PA66 and we’re excited that the capacity increase helps ensure that we continue to meet the emerging global demands for our product.”

About Solutia Company
Solutia uses world-class skills in applied chemistry to create value added solutions for customers, whose products improve the lives of consumers every day. Solutia is a world leader in performance films for laminated safety glass and after-market applications; process development and scale-up services for pharmaceutical fine chemicals; specialties such as water treatment chemicals, heat transfer fluids and aviation hydraulic fluid and an integrated family of nylon products including high-performance polymers and fibers. Solutia ... Solutions for a Better Life.