Sulfuric Acid Producers Exceed 2008 Spending Forecast

SUGAR LAND--August 14, 2008--Researched by Industrial Info Resources (Sugar Land, Texas)--At the start of the year, Industrial Info had identified an estimated $250 million in planned capital and maintenance spending at chemical plants located in the United States. Based on project activity reported as part of Industrial Info's North American Project Database, total investments for projects beginning construction this year could top $330 million or more. A significant portion of this spending is compliance-driven to meet drastic emissions reductions. E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Company (NYSE:DD) (DuPont) (Wilmington, Delaware) is expected to begin sulfur dioxide emissions reductions for at least two plants this year costing an estimated $90 million. There are several capacity projects planned for completion and potential start-up before the end of the year, including an expansion by CF Industries Holdings Incorporated (NYSE:CF) (Deerfield, Illinois) in Plant City, Florida. There is at least one grassroot sulfuric acid plant planned in Texas that is dependent upon Eastman Chemical Company (NYSE:EMN) (Kingsport, Tennessee) moving ahead as planned for a major coal gasification plant planned in Beaumont, Texas.