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KINGSPORT, Tenn., April 29, 2015 - The convergence of industry needs, global macro trends, material suppliers' capabilities, and material supplier formulator partnerships are the sweet spot for innovation in the automotive coatings industry. That's part of the message Eastman Chemical Company vice president of technology Dr. Chris Killian will bring to the Detroit Society of Coatings Technology conference May 7, 2015 in Troy, Michigan. The Future of Coatings Under Study (FOCUS) conference brings together suppliers, formulators, and others from the value chain for a day-long event featuring discussions, a product showcase, and networking.

Killian is participating in a panel discussion entitled "Innovation 2.0: Taking Action." Other panel participants include application and product development executives. Killian says he plans to challenge traditional approaches to innovation.

"Some people believe to be successful in innovation, you have to have this unconstrained view of the world, but my experience teaches that the most successful innovators anchor themselves in industries and technology platform areas where they have unique, best in class differentiated capabilities. So, if a company makes a set of strategic choices related to the industry they want to serve and the technology platform they leverage, by narrowing their view, they increase their chances of success," Killian said. The company's credibility as an innovative specialty chemical company is well documented through the Eastman Innovation Lab. Accessible at EastmanInnovationLab.com, this online platform showcases the company's long-standing commitment to innovation and its experience developing practical, cutting-edge solutions for industries such as transportation. Eastman has supplied additives to the automotive coatings industry for more than 45 years. The portfolio includes a comprehensive line of solvents, CABs, and adhesion promoters.

About Eastman
Eastman is a global specialty chemical company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. With a portfolio of specialty businesses, Eastman works with customers to deliver innovative products and solutions while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability. Its market-driven approaches take advantage of world-class technology platforms and leading positions in attractive end-markets such as transportation, building and construction, and consumables. Eastman focuses on creating consistent, superior value for all stakeholders. As a globally diverse company, Eastman serves customers in approximately 100 countries and had 2014 revenues of approximately $9.5 billion. The company is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA and employs approximately 15,000 people around the world. For more information, visit www.eastman.com.



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