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1 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SCG-Dow Group Announces Final Stage to Plan and Build Specialty Elastomers Plant in Thailand MIDLAND, MICH. January 30, 2008 SCG-Dow Group, a joint venture of The Dow Chemical Company (Dow) and Siam Cement Public Company Limited (SCG), announced today that it is in the final stage to plan and build a specialty elastomers train at the joint venture's Map Ta Phut site in Thailand. George Biltz, business group president for Specialty Plastics and Elastomers, a business unit of The Dow Chemical Company said, "Dow and Siam Cement have a very successful relationship and a long history of working together. This new facility, when constructed, will supply customers in the fast-growing Asia Pacific region with some of the most technologically advanced plastomers and elastomers in the world, including AFFINITY Polyolefin Plastomers and ENGAGE Polyolefin Elastomers. This investment is consistent with Dow s strategy to invest in our downstream performance businesses and drive growth in Asia Pacific. Cholanat Yanaranop, president of SCG Chemicals Company Limited said, "The new plastomers and elastomers plant is expected to receive feedstock from our second joint-venture olefin plant in Map Ta Phut (commercial start-up in mid 2010) and will bring specialty products into our product portfolio, in line with our medium-term strategy." The specialty elastomers train, which is expected to commence operations in 2011, builds on the long-standing successful business relationship between the two companies and is the latest in a series of joint venture projects. Dow and SCG signed their first joint venture agreement in 1987, and have now formed a total of four joint venture companies, producing synthetic latex, polystyrene, styrene monomer and polyethylene at the Map Ta Phut site. Last year the two companies announced their intention to construct a second joint-venture liquids cracker at Map Ta Phut, scheduled for completion in AFFINITY Polyolefin Plastomers are versatile polymers that offer excellent adhesion at high and low temperatures, outstanding processability, and superior levels of performance in packaging and other applications. ENGAGE Polyolefin Elastomers offer a unique combination of flexibility and toughness, making them a material of choice for a wide variety of applications, including automotive thermoplastic applications. About SCG-Dow Group SCG-Dow Group is a joint venture formed in 1987 by The Dow Chemical Company and The Siam Cement Public Company Limited. The Group is comprised of four joint venture companies that manufacture and supply markets across Asia Pacific with a portfolio of products, including ethyl-benzene and styrene monomer; styrene-butadiene and acrylic latex; polyethylene; polystyrene and compounding products. About SCG SCG is Thailand's largest industrial conglomerate with leading market position in each of its core businesses of Chemicals, Cement, Paper, Building Materials, and Distribution. Siam Cement's Chemicals business is one of the leading players in the Asia Pacific region, serving worldwide customers. Today, SCG through its Chemicals business unit, continues to expand its business presence into international markets and emphasizes on innovation in products/services, processes, and business models to delight its customers. More information about SCG can be found at About Dow With annual sales of $54 billion and 46,000 employees worldwide, Dow is a diversified chemical company that combines the power of science and technology with the "Human Element to constantly improve what is essential to human progress. The Company delivers a broad range of products and services to customers in around 160 countries, connecting chemistry and innovation with the principles of sustainability to help provide everything from fresh water, food and pharmaceuticals to paints, packaging and personal care products. References to Dow or the Company mean The Dow Chemical Company and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise expressly noted. More information about Dow can be found at # # # TM Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company ( Dow ) or an affiliated company of Dow

2 2701 SPRUCE STREET QUINCY, ILLINOIS (217) Contact: Courtney Leeser Communications Coordinator (217) Titan to Increase Agricultural and Giant OTR Tire Capacity QUINCY, Ill. Titan International Inc. Chairman and CEO Maurice M. Taylor Jr. announced today in his Tire Industry Association OTR Conference keynote speech in Hawaii that the company expects to produce more than twice as many giant OTR tires as previously estimated. In May 2007, Titan announced an expansion project at its Bryan, Ohio, facility that would allow capacity for 6,000 giant OTR tires annually. After completing its first giant 63-inch prototype a week ago, Titan expects to produce as many as 15,000 giant OTR tires per year. This additional capacity should meet a great portion of the worldwide demand for 63-inch, 57-inch and other off-the-road sizes. Taylor also announced that the company plans to add a total of approximately 28 agricultural curing presses, ranging in press sizes from 85 to 100 inches, at its tire facilities to increase agricultural capacity. The new presses should be installed by August 2008 to ease shortages in the large agricultural tire segment. Titan International, Inc. (NYSE: TWI), a holding company, owns subsidiaries that supply wheels, tires and assemblies for off-highway equipment used in agricultural, earthmoving/construction and consumer (including all terrain vehicles) applications. -END- News Release from Titan International, Inc. NYSE: TWI FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 22, 2008

3 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Media Center (877) Firestone Building Products Company Celebrates Grand Opening Of North Las Vegas Plant Company expands production of energy efficient roofing systems NORTH LAS VEGAS, Nev. (Feb. 22, 2008) Today Firestone Building Products Company, LLC (FSBP) is celebrating the grand opening of its state-of-the-art thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) manufacturing plant and distribution center in North Las Vegas. The new facility makes FSBP the largest TPO manufacturer in the commercial roofing industry, bringing the company s number of production lines to five. The 253,000-square-foot facility employs about 40 teammates. The thermoplastic roofing membrane manufactured at the plant made with a proprietary blend polypropylene and ethylene propylene rubber is used in Firestone s UltraPly TPO roofing systems. This strategic expansion helps us better meet growing regional demand for heat-reflective UltraPly TPO roofing systems and enables us to continue providing timely job site delivery, said Bob Delaney, Chief Operating Officer of FSBP. Firestone s expertise and history with TPO polymers dates back more than 20 years. UltraPly TPO combines outstanding field performance and ultraviolet (UV) resistance with labor-saving wide panels and user-friendly seaming technology. It also does not experience the harmful effects of plasticizer migration or contain environmentally damaging halogens. FSBP operates 14 manufacturing facilities across North America including two EPDM, two asphalt-based, three thermoplastic and eight polyiso insulation plants. In addition, FSBP s sister company Firestone Metal Products operates six metal plants, which gives Firestone the largest commercial roofing manufacturing base in North America. About Firestone Building Products Company, LLC: Firestone Building Products Company, LLC (FSBP), a subsidiary of Bridgestone Firestone Diversified Products, manufactures single-ply rubber, thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) and asphalt-based roofing membranes, polyiso insulation and a full line of metal roofing products and other accessories. FSBP, which maintains 14 manufacturing facilities and two separate distribution centers throughout North America, has its headquarters in Indianapolis, Ind. In addition to superior roofing products, FSBP offers product support through a technical services department and a worldwide network of roofing contractors, distributors and field sales representatives. About Bridgestone Firestone Diversified Products (BFDP): Bridgestone Firestone Diversified Products (BFDP) is based in Indianapolis, Ind., and is a subsidiary of Bridgestone Americas Holding, Inc. (BSAH). BFDP is responsible for BSAH s non-tire businesses, including building and industrial products, synthetic polymers, natural and synthetic rubber, and industrial fibers and textiles. ###

4 (Press Release) FRANKLYNN ACQUIRES CRYSTAL MOLD RELEASES (February 1, 2008) Franklynn Industries, Inc., Cincinnati, OH, announced the acquisition of CRYSTAL Mold Release Agents from TSE. Water-based and semi-permanent, Crystal Mold Releases form a clear, strong bond to mold surfaces, allowing for multiple releases before touch-up. These products have a proven record of exceptional release performance on rubber, polyurethane and other plastic molding materials. Ralph M. Lopez, General Manager of Franklynn Industries, commented: Crystal mold releases fit well into our product portfolio and will become a strategic element in extending our technological reach. Crystal will bring an array of proven solutions to a variety of applications. Our customers can look forward to enjoying a greater selection of productivity-boosting mold release agents from Franklynn Industries. CRYSTAL will become a part of the growing family of brands in Franklynn Industries, a unit in the Performance Polymers Group within Illinois Tool Works. Franklynn is a leader in formulating, manufacturing and distributing release agents and cleaners for various molding applications. With its worldwide headquarters located in Cincinnati, Ohio, Franklynn continues to grow its global presence. CONTACT: For additional information, please direct your inquiries to: Marketing Department, Franklynn Industries, 167 Commerce Blvd., Cincinnati, OH, USA Tel: (800) or (513) ; Fax: (513) or via our website:

5 Yokohama Rubber Signs Long-term OR Tire Supply Agreement with Barrick Gold Corporation Tokyo - The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd., today announced that it signed a long-term contract with Barrick Gold Corporation on January 30 to provide the world s largest gold mining company with off-the-road (OR) tires. Under the contract, Yokohama Rubber shall deliver approximately tires a year to Barrick for 10 years from 2009 to To meet this new demand, Yokohama Rubber began building the third plant for its Onomichi Plant in Hiroshima Prefecture in October The Onomichi Plant is specialized in the manufacture of OR tires and the third plant is scheduled to start operation in January Yokohama Rubber plans to invest approximately 5 billion yen in the construction of the third plant. Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, Barrick Gold Corporation owns approximately 30 mines around the world and is aggressively expanding its mining operation so as to meet rapidly-growing demand for gold mainly for decorative and industrial usages. The mining company was therefore looking for a stable supplier of OR tires indispensable for expanding operation because there is a global shortage of OR tires as a result of booming resource development. There are only a few world-class tire makers that can produce super-large sized OR tires. As one of such tire makers, Yokohama Rubber is hastily expanding its production capacity. In February 2006, the company came out with a plan to increase production capacity of the Onomichi Plant to 1.5 times that in 2006 by And, in October 2007, the Plant s second plant began full-fledged production of 25-inch tires, earlier than tires of other sizes to be produced in the second plant. The production hike plan has been upwardly revised due to the long-term supply contract with Barrick and other factors, and the current plan calls for an increase of 2.2 times in production capacity in FY2012 compared to that in FY2007. The OR tires delivering to Barrick are for use with 100- to 250-ton class dump trucks that will operate mainly in open-pit mines. Yokohama Rubber will deliver the products to Barrick s gold mines around the world directly from the Onomichi Plant.

6 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Media Center (877) Government Of Liberia And Firestone Liberia Sign Amended And Restated Concession Agreement MONROVIA, Liberia, West Africa (Feb. 22, 2008) The Government of Liberia today announced the signing of the Amended and Restated Concession Agreement between the Government and Firestone Liberia. The Amended Agreement modifies the current 2005 Concession Agreement and comes after extended negotiations. The Government and Firestone have jointly affirmed that the Amended Agreement represents an opportunity for a new partnership between Firestone and the Government in their support for the rehabilitation and enhancement of Liberia's natural rubber industry. Dr. J. Chris Toe, Minister of Agriculture and Government s lead negotiator, referred to the renegotiation of the Firestone concession agreement as an embodiment of Government s goals to ensure that all existing agreements equitably protect Liberian interests and are consistent with principles that attract and sustain foreign investment in Liberia. He also stated that the Amended Agreement is estimated to result in an increase in revenues to the Government for 2007 of nearly $2.5 million. Apart from the fiscal provisions, Firestone will be subject to generally applicable Liberian law. Dan Adomitis, President of Firestone Natural Rubber Company, emphasized that, Our focus is on rebuilding our operations and facilities in Liberia while supporting Liberia s recovery efforts after 14 years of devastating civil conflict. This new agreement provides the right framework for Firestone Liberia to continue investing in replanting rubber trees, exploring value-added operations and rebuilding homes and health care facilities for our employees as well as adding more schools for the more than 15,000 children of employees now being educated in 23 Firestone schools. Firestone directly employs almost 7,000 people in Liberia and estimates that these jobs help create thousands of additional jobs in the Liberian economy. Under the Amended Agreement, which runs through 2041, Firestone has committed to continue its replanting efforts, to complete a rubber wood factory that will directly add a minimum of 500 new jobs, to grow its support to small Liberian rubber farmers and to undertake additional social and educational projects. The Agreement permits an increase in the income tax rate payable by Firestone from 25 percent to 30 percent, establishes new transfer pricing provisions for dry rubber and latex based on international indices, and makes a number of other changes that allow the Government to exercise more flexibility in applying its revenue laws. The Government and Firestone have further affirmed that the Amended Agreement demonstrates to the international private sector Firestone s long term commitment to Liberia s natural rubber industry, the partnership between Government of Liberia and Firestone, and makes it clear that, under the leadership of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Liberia is again open for business. About Firestone Natural Rubber Company, LLC: The Firestone Natural Rubber Company, LLC (FSNR), a subsidiary of Bridgestone Firestone Diversified Products, traces its origins back to 1926 when The Firestone Tire & Rubber Company first established a natural rubber production facility in Liberia, West Africa. The company operates a 118,000-acre rubber growing and processing facility and employs approximately 6,000 teammates who harvest and process natural rubber and latex. After processing, the natural rubber (dry rubber and liquid latex) is shipped to the United States. The dry rubber is used by Bridgestone Americas tire plants throughout North America in the manufacture of tires. The latex is sold to third party North American manufacturers of dipped goods, adhesives and carpet backing. Firestone is North America s leading supplier of natural latex concentrate. ###

7 Contact: Kris Jommersbach Gemini Communications PH: About RTP Company RTP Company, headquartered in Winona, Minnesota, is a global leader in specialty thermoplastic compounding. The company has eight manufacturing plants on three continents, plus sales representatives throughout North America, Europe, and Asia/Pacific. RTP Company s engineers develop custom compounds in over 60 different engineering resin systems for applications requiring color, conductive, elastomeric, flame retardant, high temperature, shielding, structural, and wear resistant properties. RTP COMPANY PARTNERS WITH BIOSAFE TO MARKET SILANE-BASED ANTIMICROBIAL ADDITIVE MASTERBATCHES WINONA, MN, USA - (January 25, 2008) - RTP Company, a specialty thermoplastics compounder, announced that it has entered into an exclusive sales and manufacturing agreement with Biosafe Inc., of Pittsburgh, PA, to use their silane-based antimicrobial technology in RTP Company s expanded line of antimicrobial products. The patented silane-based concentrate can be used as an additive masterbatch in a variety of extrusion and injection molding processes. According to Jean Sirois, General Manager RTP Color, the silane-based technology which renders plastics inherently antimicrobial is more cost-effective and faster-acting than silver-based additives without discoloration. "The active ingredient in these antimicrobial masterbatches only needs to be at a % loading in the final product to be effective, making it much more competitive, safe and efficient than traditional antimicrobials such as silver or triclosan. Unlike silver, which can cause yellowing or tarnishing, silanebased antimicrobials improve colorability. And, they do not compromise optical properties when used with high-clarity resins." Silane-based additives provide permanent protection against staining and degradation caused by bacteria, fungi, mold, mildew and algae that can cause odor, discoloration, biofouling and other aesthetic problems. "These antimicrobial masterbatches work by physically puncturing and rupturing the cell wall to inhibit microbial growth," explained David Dodds, Market Manager at RTP Company. "By comparison, conventional antimicrobials kill by leaching into the cell, where they are metabolized and interfere with critical life processes. This can cause microorganisms to mutate and adapt, becoming resistant to the antimicrobial. Silane-based products avoid this problem and have been used in the medical community for decades in next-to-skin and next-to-wound areas proving effective against a broad range of microbes. It is FDA listed as a modifier to medical devices." A key benefit of the RTP Company antimicrobial products are the low toxicity of the active biocide. It will not leach or off-gas into the environment and is not absorbed by any organisms or human beings. And, because the biocide is chemically bonded to the polymer, it is highly durable and does not lose effectiveness over time. Silane-based products provide an environmentally sustainable means of prolonging the useful life of consumer and industrial products. They contain no volatile organic compounds, heavy metals, arsenic, or polychlorinated phenols. "The active ingredient in the RTP Company products complies with both EPA guidelines, and the USP Pharmacopeia test for non-cytotoxicity," added Sirois. Typical addition levels for silane-based masterbatch products are between 2% and 3% to impart the desired effect into the host polymer. They are used at the normal processing temperature of the polymer and are available for applications in PUR, PBT, PET, POM, PC, PA, PVC, TPE and other resin systems. According to Sirois, they may also be suitable in certain specific applications in PE, PP and ABS, "although more testing and trials are underway to improve performance in these polymers." RTP Company antimicrobial additive masterbatches are the safe, more economical, and easier to color solution for top performance in protecting plastic products from being attacked by all sorts of bacteria. They are ideal for extending life-cycles and improving aesthetics in a wide range of markets such as public transportation, athletic equipment, personal care items, business machines, medical devices, automotive and housewares and more. Applications include injection-molded items, extruded sheet, films and profiles and extruded fiber. For more information, contact RTP Company at or , rtp@rtpcompany.com or visit their website # # # # Note: If you would like more information about this story, or if you would like to speak with a RTP Company spokesperson, please contact Kris Jommersbach at krisj@geminiinc.com

8 LANXESS Corporation Contact: Amanda Mushrush Corporate Media Manager 111 RIDC Park West Drive Pittsburgh, PA Desk: Fax: News Release LANXESS Corp. announces restructuring of LANXESS Inc. Sarnia Site to maintain competitive leadership in global rubber industry PITTSBURGH February 1, 2008 LANXESS Corporation today announced three business initiatives at the LANXESS Inc. Sarnia Site aimed at strengthening LANXESS business in the global rubber industry. LANXESS Inc. will restructure its Sarnia, Canada operations; LANXESS AG will consolidate global NBR production at its La Wantzenau, France facility; and LANXESS Inc. plans to move its Canadian research activities from Sarnia to an interdisciplinary university setting in Ontario. Sarnia butyl operation restructures At the site of the company s recently completed $100 million butyl plant expansion, LANXESS Inc. is implementing a 24 month restructuring aimed at improving the global competitiveness of its butyl products. The move is aimed at removing increased operating expenses due to higher energy and raw material costs in addition to the impact of the Canadian dollar on labor. The expansion of the Sarnia butyl plant made it the largest, most modern facility of its kind in the world. By December of 2008, total production capacity will be 150 thousand metric tonnes. Together with today s announced site restructuring, the plant modernization will improve the plant s productivity. Over the next 24 months the site will reduce its manpower operating requirements by approximately 270 positions. Global NBR production consolidated LANXESS AG will consolidate global NBR production in La Wantzenau, France over the next few months. The process will involve closing a 64 year old nitrile butadiene rubber production facility located in Sarnia, Canada by the end of May, While many customers in the NAFTA region are already receiving LANXESS NBR grades manufactured at the La Wantzenau plant, LANXESS Corporation sales and technical support for Technical Rubber products will work closely with customers during the consolidation process to ensure a smooth transition. LANXESS NBR is marketed under the tradenames KRYNAC NBR, PERBUNAN NBR and BAYMOD N. Global butyl research to be relocated to university setting In an initiative aimed at global growth and innovation of both pure and applied polymers research, LANXESS Inc. is actively searching for an appropriate Ontario, Canada university site that can accommodate relocation of its global butyl research functions from the Sarnia production site. By locating LANXESS Inc. researchers closer to their peers in a multidisciplinary environment, the company is gearing for a significant increase in both pure and customer research. Butyl Rubber The biggest market for LANXESS butyl rubber and halobutyl rubber is the tire industry, but its remarkable properties make it a key polymer for a variety of technical rubber applications. Butyl offers an attractive range of properties including low permeability, high damping, good resistance to ozone and weathering and chemical resistance. LANXESS Inc. s Sarnia Site produces both regular butyl and halogenated butyl grades for customers around the world. LANXESS halogenated butyl rubber products are also widely used in pharmaceutical products, such as closures for infusion containers, injection vials, lyophilization, and blood collection tubes. They are also used as Orings and gaskets in a variety of aerosol containers and inhalers and as plungers for applications such as infusion pumps, pre-filled syringes, insulin injectors and dental anesthetics. Chewing gum is one of the most interesting applications of LANXESS food grade butyl which is also manufactured in kosher grades. LANXESS applies the most stringent quality control standards for this grade consistent with national and international food regulations and standards to this application. LANXESS KRYNAC NBR and PERBUNAN NBR KRYNAC is the trade name of a series of oil-resistant acrylonitrilebutadiene rubbers (NBR) manufactured by emulsion polymerization. KRYNAC is used for hydraulic hoses, fuel and oil supply hoses, seals, rollers, drive belts, fabric linings and gaskets. Other

9 applications are shoe soles (sport shoes and safety footwear) and flooring. In addition, KRYNAC (or BAYMOD N) is the base polymer for several automotive applications, such as hoses, oil seals and friction linings. PERBUNAN, makes it possible to obtain oil-resistant vulcanizates that can resist extremely low temperatures. In comparison with vulcanizates based on other NBRs, PERBUNAN vulcanizates show better physical properties, heat aging resistance and abrasion and wear behavior. It is widely used in the automotive industry for oil filter seals, torsional vibration dampeners, membranes, membranes in fuel injection systems, fuel and oil pipes, and hydraulic hoses. About LANXESS LANXESS is a leader in specialty chemicals with 2006 sales of EUR 6.94 billion and more than 16,000 employees in 21 countries. The company is represented at 47 production sites worldwide. The core business of LANXESS is the development, manufacture and sale of specialty chemicals, plastics, rubber and intermediates. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by LANXESS AG management. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments. BAYMOD N is a registered trademark of Bayer AG. ###

10 LEHIGH TECHNOLOGIES RECOGNIZED BY EPA FOR OUTSTANDING EVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP Company Awarded Membership to Prestigious National Performance Track Program NAPLES, FL, February 12, 2008 Lehigh Technologies, Inc., a leading manufacturer of engineered rubber powder, announced today the company has been recognized for its outstanding environmental stewardship by being accepted into the Environmental Protection Agency s National Performance Track Program. Performance Track is a voluntary partnership program that recognizes and rewards private and public facilities that demonstrate strong environmental performance beyond current requirements. Lehigh joins the ranks of fellow members and environmental leaders such as Bridgestone, Michelin, 3M, Monsanto, Coca-Cola, Johnson & Johnson, Shaw and Interface. We are thrilled to be among the distinguished companies to achieve Performance Track membership, states Anthony Cialone, Chief Operating Officer of Lehigh Technologies. As a company, we are committed to environmental betterment such as reducing our own carbon and greenhouse gas emissions footprint, and we strive within our facility to live to the highest expectation of environmental stewardship. To have our efforts recognized by the US Environmental Protection Agency is an honor. In addition to Performance Track membership, Lehigh s production facility in Atlanta, GA, has achieved ISO 9001 and ISO certification after attaining the global quality and environmental standards set forth for companies by the International Standards Organization, a network of national standards institutes across more than 150 countries. The Performance Track program was a natural progression from our earlier ISO certifications for both quality and environmental impact, says Koren Wah, QA/QC and ISO manager of Lehigh Technologies. Sitting between tire recyclers and large industrial users of synthetic and natural polymers, Lehigh has always had a focus on bringing consistency of final product and reliability of high volume deliveries to the marketplace. This accolade shows that good business practices and environmental stewardship go hand in hand. About EPA Performance Track The EPA Performance Track rewards facilities that voluntarily exceed regulatory requirements, implement systems for improving environmental management, work with their communities, and set three-year goals for improvements in environmental performance. Only facilities with a record of sustained compliance with environmental requirements are eligible to participate in this program. Performance Track recognizes these companies as environmental leaders because they deliver environmental results beyond what is expected or required. These companies demonstrate on a daily basis that economic prosperity and environmental protection can go hand in hand. More information is available at: About Lehigh Technologies, Inc. Lehigh Technologies provides engineered ultra-fine rubber powder that delivers enhanced performance, cost savings and environmental benefits, at a price point that is affordable and sustainable for low-to-high volume applications. Unlike crumb rubber recyclers and other suppliers in the past, Lehigh produces engineered performance fillers, modifiers and additives, enabling manufacturers across a variety of industries to include rubber powder as a strategic ingredient into their manufacturing process without compromising the integrity of their products. Headquartered in Naples, Florida, the company is privately held and backed by major private equity investors. For more information, please visit # # #