North America

Title #1

Solutia Inc. has hired HSBC Securities Inc. to explore strategic alternatives for its nylon business, including a possible sale.  The company plans to focus on its high-margin specialty chemical and performance materials business.

Title #3

The Rohm & Haas plant in Louisville, Kentucky has resumed operations after an incident with an overheating railcar that closed the plant.  The railcar was loaded with a monomer chemical produced at an Arkema Inc. plant in Bristol Township and shipped to Kentucky.  No illnesses or injuries have been reported.  Most of the operations at the plant will be closed in 2009 due to the soaring cost of raw materials and a weak housing market.

World

Title #2

3M Co. purchased K&H Surface Technologies Pty. Ltd. for an undisclosed sum.  K&H is an Australian chemical manufacturer that makes body fillers, mold release agents and other products used in professional and do-it-yourself automotive refinishing as well as the hardware and construction markets.

Title #4

Rohm & Haas opened its new high-technology plant in Queretaro, Mexico.  The plant will produce emulsion polymers and polyacrylates.  The company expects growth between 10 and 15% in the region.