AKRON, Ohio -- Eliokem officially celebrated the opening of its North American technical center with a dedication ceremony and reception that was attended by customers, employees, local dignitaries, investors and advisors.

The new technical center features four laboratories using state-of-the-

science equipment and technology. The center will allow Eliokem to fulfill its commitment to developing pioneering technology in areas of polymer development and processes, paint formulations and testing, toner-resin development, plastics and rubber materials processing, and polymer stabilization.

As part of the dedication ceremony, Jacques Collonge, CEO and president, Eliokem Worldwide, acknowledged the advantage his company enjoys in having built the foundation of the business from 30 years of experience as an operating company of Goodyear. He stated, “It was as an operating company of Goodyear that our commitment to new product innovation and close cooperation with customers to develop new applications was born and nurtured. Though we now operate autonomously, we know that it is that commitment that has led us to where we are today, and it is that commitment that will continue to determine and define our future.”

Eliokem is the result of the spin-off of the Specialty Chemicals business of The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. The sale of the company to Littlejohn & Co, LLC, was completed in December, 2001. Eliokem combines the former Goodyear Chemicals Europe business and personnel with the U.S. Specialty Chemical business of Goodyear.

For more information, visit www.eliokem.com.