Rockwood Press Release

Southern Clay Products Provides Nanocomposite Materials to GM

Gonzales, TX (February 26, 2004) - Southern Clay Products recently joined efforts with General Motors and Basell Polyolefins to introduce lightweight, high-performance nanocomposite materials into the body side molding of the 2004 Chevrolet Impala, GM’s highest volume car. The nanocomposite application on the ’04 Impala provides a seven percent weight savings of the body side moldings per vehicle and improved surface quality.

“Our research efforts into the nanocomposite material have been extremely beneficial to commercializing these materials,” said Vern Sumner, President, Southern Clay Products. “Working hand-in-hand with GM and Basell has strengthened our research efforts, allowing us to develop new technologies quicker for future applications.”

This new application represents the highest volume usage of olefin-based nanocomposite material in the world. SCP provides high-quality Cloisite® nanoclay that is dispersed in the olefin-based material. In 2001, GM, working with SCP, introduced the first commercial automotive exterior application of nanocomposite materials on the step assist of the GMC Safari and Chevrolet Astro Van.

Southern Clay Products, Inc. is headquartered in Gonzales, Texas and is a leading supplier of smectite-based functional additives to several markets. The company’s complete line of water and solvent-based rheological additives includes Permont®, Bentolite®, Claytone®, Mineral Colloid®, Gelwhite® and Laponite®. Southern Clay Products is part of Rockwood Specialties Inc., a leading specialty chemical company headquartered in Princeton, New Jersey.

Rockwood, headquartered in Princeton, New Jersey, USA, is a leading global specialty chemical company with sales of more than $800 million. The company focuses on niche segments of the specialty chemical market, including additives, specialty compounds, electronic chemicals, materials and services. Rockwood Specialties maintains operations in North America, Europe and Asia with a workforce of over 2,500 employees.