HOUSTON, Feb. 7 -- Lyondell Chemical Company (NYSE: LYO) announced today plans to invest $20 million to expand the production capability for ultrafine TiO2 at its Millennium Inorganic Chemicals manufacturing facility in Thann, France.

Ultrafine TiO2 is used in a variety of catalytic applications including environmental catalysts for NOx reduction, Claus catalysis, post-combustion catalysis for gasoline diesel engines, and fine chemical catalysis.

This is a significant enhancement for the site which is entering its third century of operation.

"With this expansion, the Thann site continues to evolve into a leading global player in the world of specialty TiO2 materials," says Brian Pickett, Business Director-Performance Chemicals. "We will be able to continue to support our customers’ growth as they develop solutions to meet strict new environmental air quality regulations which are being implemented around the world."

ABOUT LYONDELL

Lyondell Chemical Company, headquartered in Houston, Texas, is North America's third-largest independent, publicly traded chemical company. Lyondell is a major global manufacturer of basic chemicals and derivatives including ethylene, propylene, titanium dioxide, styrene, polyethylene, propylene oxide and acetyls. It also is a refiner of heavy, high-sulfur crude oil and a significant producer of gasoline-blending components. Lyondell is a global company operating on five continents and employs approximately 11,000 people worldwide.

SOURCE: Lyondell Chemical Company

Web site: http://www.lyondell.com/