Eastman Chemical touts China as key partner

KINGSPORT, Tenn. (AP) — Executives at Kingsport, Tenn.-based Eastman Chemical Co. say China is a key role in the company's growth.

Eastman on Monday broke ground on a facility to produce acetate tow in Heifei, China. The plant, a joint venture with China National Tobacco Corp., is projected to be operational in mid-2013. Acetate tow is a raw material used for cigarette filters and other purposes.

Eastman did not say in a news release how many people will be employed at the plant.

Eastman employs some 10,000 people around the world.