DSM Engineering Plastics announces that it has reached an agreement on the acquisition of the polymerization assets of Diolen Industrial Fibers BV. These include the facilities for polyester polymer production in Emmen (Netherlands), which will now be integrated with DSM’s polyester compounding facility in Emmen. As part of the acquisition, DSM will offer employment to 45 Diolen employees.

Fredric Petit, Business Manager Arnitel® & Arnite® of DSM Engineering Plastics, says this acquisition gives DSM backward integration into polyester polymer production for its engineering plastic product lines Arnitel® TPC, Arnite® PBT and Arnite® PET. Mr. Petit continues: "This acquisition allows us to maintain our supply of high quality products and services and retain our position as a sustainable partner within the performance materials industry. Both consistency and security of supply are key considerations for our customers. We are pleased that this step has given us a stronger position in being able to meet their requirements. In the meantime, we continue to invest in innovations, new products and new technology development for our customers."

DSM Engineering Plastics
DSM Engineering Plastics is a business group forming part of the Performance Materials cluster of DSM. It generated sales of EUR 839 million in 2007 and has approximately 1,550 employees worldwide. DSM Engineering Plastics is one of the world's leading suppliers of engineering thermoplastics offering a broad portfolio of high performance products including Stanyl® high performance polyamide and Akulon® 6 and 66 polyamides, Arnitel® TPE-E, Arnite® PBT and PET polyesters, Xantar® polycarbonate, Yparex® extrudable adhesive resins. These materials are used in technical components for electrical appliances, electronic equipment and cars, in barrier packaging films as well as in many mechanical and extrusion applications. With Stanyl®, the business group is the global market leader in high heat polyamides.

DSM – the Life Sciences and Materials Sciences Company
Royal DSM N.V. creates innovative products and services in Life Sciences and Materials Sciences that contribute to the quality of life. DSM’s products and services are used globally in a wide range of markets and applications, supporting a healthier, more sustainable and more enjoyable way of life. End markets include human and animal nutrition and health, personal care, pharmaceuticals, automotive, coatings and paint, electrics and electronics, life protection and housing. DSM has annual sales of almost EUR 8.8 billion and employs some 23,000 people worldwide. The company is headquartered in the Netherlands, with locations on five continents. DSM is listed on Euronext Amsterdam. More information: www.dsm.com.

Akulon®, Arnite®, Arnitel®, Stanyl®, Xantar® and Yparex® are registered trademarks of Royal DSM N.V.