EIN Presswire: Chemicals Live Feed Press Releases

Material Sciences Corporation Announces New Web Site

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 23:23:57 +0000

Material Sciences Corporation Announces New Web Site

PR Newswire

ELK GROVE VILLAGE, Ill., Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Material Sciences Corporation, a leading provider of material-based solutions for acoustical and coated applications, today announced that the company is launching its new redesigned web site. The revamped web site offers quick and easy access to essential information regarding MSC's product lines and markets served, in a user friendly interface.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120207/DE49541 )

For more information, visit www.matsci.com.

About Material Sciences Corporation
Material Sciences Corporation is a leading provider of material-based solutions for acoustical and coated applications. The company uses its expertise in materials, which it leverages through relationships and a network of partners, to solve customer-specific problems.

SOURCE Material Sciences Corporation

FMC Signs Exclusive Agreement for Access to New Patented Fungicide

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 21:30:00 +0000

FMC Signs Exclusive Agreement for Access to New Patented Fungicide

PR Newswire

PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- FMC Corporation (NYSE: FMC) announced today it has signed an exclusive distribution and development agreement with Consumo em Verde (CEV), Biotecnologia das Plantas, S.A. of Portugal for the unique patented fungicidal active ingredient blad, which has a new mode of action. FMC Agricultural Products Group will develop and market the fungicide in the United States and Canada as Problad Plus™ for all crop and non-crop uses.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20111101/NE97440LOGO )

Problad Plus was developed over the past 10 years by researchers at the Instituto Superior de Agronomia (ISA) at Lisbon University, Portugal. The new fungicide is effective on a broad spectrum of difficult-to-control plant diseases affecting tomatoes, strawberries, grapes and nut crops. Registration for Problad Plus has been submitted to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency with an anticipated approval as a biopesticide in early 2013.

FMC began additional testing of Problad Plus on key crops in California and Florida in 2011 and plans an extensive field trial program throughout North America for 2012. FMC plans to expand the registration to additional crops in the near future.

"Obtaining access to additional products has been a key strategic initiative for FMC's North America crop business and Problad Plus will allow us to offer a broad-spectrum fungicide with a new unique mode of action that growers can use in their disease control program," said Bob Trogele, North America area director, FMC Agricultural Products. "This will be a key integrated pest management addition to our rapidly expanding tree, fruit and vegetable crop segment portfolio and its plant-based production process makes it a great example of modern pest control that is sustainable."

"Problad Plus is new and unique technology that has demonstrated performance in field trials better than or equal to currently used industry standard traditional fungicides," said Neil DeStefano, North America director of business and product development, FMC Agricultural Products. "CEV was looking for a partner to develop and commercialize their exciting new technology and FMC was able to demonstrate this as one of our key core competencies."

Field trials have demonstrated efficacy on a broad spectrum of difficult-to-control diseases such as botrytis, powdery mildew, anthracnose as well as others.

About FMC Corporation
FMC Corporation is a diversified chemical company serving agricultural, industrial and consumer markets globally for more than a century with innovative solutions, applications and quality products. In 2010, FMC had annual sales of approximately $3.1 billion. The company employs approximately 5,000 people throughout the world, and operates its businesses in three segments: Agricultural Products, Specialty Chemicals and Industrial Chemicals. For more information, visit www.FMC.com.

About Consumo em Verde
CEV was incorporated in Portugal in 2006 by three university professors. It was the first new business project to emerge from the CoHitec program, a local initiative organized by COTEC, an innovation association, and the North Carolina State University, aimed at promoting a speedy transition from ip-protected university research into hi-tech hi-growth businesses. The next round of financing was subscribed by two investment funds, an industrial company and a diversified conglomerate. In 2007, CEV invested in a pilot plant to develop the process and produce sufficient field-trial quantities and is now starting construction of an industrial plant in central Portugal due to come on stream by the end of the year.

Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Act of 1995: Statements in this news release that are forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties concerning specific factors described in FMC Corporation's 2010 Form 10-K and other SEC filings. Such information contained herein represents management's best judgment as of the date hereof based on information currently available. FMC Corporation does not intend to update this information and disclaims any legal obligation to the contrary. Historical information is not necessarily indicative of future performance.

SOURCE FMC Corporation

DuPont Fabros Technology, Inc. Reports 2011 Results

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 21:12:40 +0000

DuPont Fabros Technology, Inc. Reports 2011 Results

Revenues up 13% Quarter over Quarter and 19% Year Over Year

Provides Outlook for 2012 Performance

PR Newswire

WASHINGTON, Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- DuPont Fabros Technology, Inc. (NYSE: DFT) today reported results for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2011. All per share results are reported on a fully diluted basis.

Highlights

As of today, the company's stabilized operating portfolio is 99% leased. The company's non-stabilized portfolio is 39% leased, including CH1 Phase II.
Fourth quarter 2011 activity:
- Placed in service SC1 Phase I in Santa Clara, California, comprising 18.2 megawatts ("MW") of critical load.
- Signed three leases and pre-leases totaling 3.01 MW of critical load and 16,120 raised square feet.
Subsequent to the fourth quarter:
- Placed in service CH1 Phase II in Elk Grove Village, Illinois, comprising 18.2 MW of critical load.
- Issued 2.6 million of additional shares of 7.625% Series B perpetual preferred stock raising net proceeds of approximately $62.6 million.
- Signed one lease totaling 2.28 MW and 11,000 raised square feet.

Hossein Fateh, President and Chief Executive Officer, said, "Over the past 15 months we have opened five new developments comprising 85.8 megawatts of critical load and leased about half of this space. Our primary focus in 2012 is to lease our remaining available space. The timing of corporate decision-making by potential tenants to execute leases is not always predictable, but we remain optimistic regarding the long–term demand for our strategically located wholesale facilities."

Fourth Quarter 2011 Results

For the quarter ended December 31, 2011, the company reported earnings of $0.12 per share compared to $0.10 per share for the fourth quarter of 2010. Revenues increased 13%, or $8.4 million, to $74.4 million for the fourth quarter of 2011 over the fourth quarter of 2010. This increase is due to new leases commencing at ACC5 Phase II, CH1 Phase I, NJ1 Phase I, SC1 Phase I and ACC6 Phase I.

Funds from Operations ("FFO") for the quarter ended December 31, 2011 was $0.37 per share compared to $0.33 per share for the quarter ended December 31, 2010. The increase of 12% or $0.04 per share is due to:

Higher operating income, excluding depreciation, of $0.06 per share due to new leases commencing, partially offset by
Higher fixed charges of $0.02 per share representing an increase in preferred dividends of $0.03 per share partially offset by lower overall interest expense of $0.01 per share.

Year Ended December 31, 2011 Results

For the year ended December 31, 2011, the company reported earnings of $0.71 per share compared to $0.51 per share for the prior year. Revenues increased 19%, or $44.9 million, to $287.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 over the prior year. This increase is due to new leases commencing in 2011.

FFO for the year ended December 31, 2011 was $1.61 per share compared to $1.33 per share for 2010. The increase of 21%, or $0.28 per share, is due to higher operating income, excluding depreciation, due to new leases commencing in 2011.

Portfolio Update

During the fourth quarter 2011, the company:

Signed three leases totaling 3.01 MW of critical load and 16,120 raised square feet with an average lease term of 6.7 years.
- Two leases were at NJ1 Phase I for 1.71 MW of critical load and 8,120 raised square feet. Both of these leases commenced in the fourth quarter.
- One pre-lease was at CH1 Phase II for 1.30 MW of critical load and 8,000 raised square feet. This lease commenced in the first quarter of 2012.
Commenced three leases totaling 3.98 MW of critical load and 19,120 raised square feet, which includes the above two NJ1 leases.

During the full year 2011, the company:

Completed development, commissioned and placed into service two new data centers consisting of 31.2 MW of critical load capacity – 13.0 MW in Ashburn, Virginia and 18.2 MW in Santa Clara, California.
Signed 14 leases totaling 24.92 MW of critical load and 133,716 raised square feet with an average lease term of 7.9 years and approximate contract value of $428 million.
Commenced 11 leases totaling 13.46 MW of critical load and 65,093 raised square feet.

Subsequent to the fourth quarter 2011, the company:

Completed development, commissioned and placed into service one new data center consisting of 18.2 MW of critical load capacity. CH1 Phase II was 79% pre-leased as of February 1, 2012, with 57% of pre-leases commencing on February 1, 2012.
Signed one lease at SC1 Phase I for 2.28 MW of critical load and 11,000 raised square feet. This lease commenced in the first quarter of 2012.

Capital Markets Update

In January 2012, the company sold 2.6 million additional shares of 7.625% Series B preferred stock at a price of $25 per share raising net proceeds of approximately $62.6 million. A portion of the net proceeds was used to pay off the outstanding balance under the line of credit. As of today, there are no borrowings under the $100 million line of credit facility.

First Quarter and Full Year 2012 Guidance

The company has established an FFO guidance range of $0.31 to $0.35 per share for the first quarter of 2012. The $0.04 per share difference between the company's fourth quarter 2011 FFO of $0.37 per share and the midpoint of the first quarter guidance range is primarily due to:

A negative impact of $0.03 per share from lower capitalized interest expense.
A negative impact of $0.01 per share from higher preferred dividends.

The company has established an FFO guidance range of $1.31 to $1.51 per share for the full year 2012. The assumptions underlying this guidance can be found on page 15 of this press release. The $0.20 per share difference between the company's full year 2011 FFO of $1.61 and the expected mid-point of the company's guidance range for full year 2012 is primarily due to:

A net positive impact of $0.18 per share from higher operating income excluding depreciation. This includes
- A positive impact of $0.32 per share primarily from new leases commencing,
- A negative impact of $0.12 per share related to unreimbursed property operating expenses, real estate taxes and insurance, and
- A negative impact of $0.02 per share from expensing the compensation of all development personnel who were capitalized in 2011.
A negative impact of $0.31 per share from lower capitalized interest expense as no new development starts are budgeted for 2012. The company's capitalization policy is to stop interest capitalization when projects are placed in service.
A negative impact of $0.07 per share from higher preferred dividends.

Fourth Quarter 2011 Conference Call and Webcast Information

The company will host a conference call to discuss these results tomorrow, Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. ET. To access the live call, please visit the Investor Relations section of the company's website at www.dft.com or dial 1-866-524-3160 (domestic) or 1-412-317-6760 (international). A replay will be available for seven days by dialing 1-877-344-7529 (domestic) or 1-412-317-0088 (international) using passcode 10008549. The webcast will be archived on the company's website for one year at www.dft.com on the Presentations & Webcasts page.

First Quarter 2012 Conference Call

DuPont Fabros Technology, Inc. expects to announce first quarter 2012 results on Wednesday, April 25, 2012 and to host a conference call to discuss those results at 10:00 a.m. ET on Thursday, April 26, 2012.

About DuPont Fabros Technology, Inc.

DuPont Fabros Technology, Inc. (NYSE: DFT) is a real estate investment trust (REIT) and leading owner, developer, operator and manager of wholesale data centers. The company's data centers are highly specialized, secure, network-neutral facilities used primarily by national and international Internet and enterprise companies to house, power and cool the computer servers that support many of their most critical business processes. DuPont Fabros Technology, Inc. is headquartered in Washington, DC. For more information, please visit www.dft.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this press release may be deemed to be forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The matters described in these forward-looking statements include expectations regarding future events, results and trends and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other unpredictable factors, many of which are beyond the company's control. The company faces many risks that could cause its actual performance to differ materially from the results contemplated by its forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, the risk that its assumptions underlying its 2012 FFO guidance are not realized, the risks related to the leasing of available space to third-party tenants, including the ability of the company to negotiate leases on terms that will enable it to achieve its expected returns, the risk that the company may be unable to obtain financing on favorable terms to facilitate, among other things, future development projects, the risks commonly associated with construction and development of new facilities (including delays and/or cost increases associated with the completion of new developments), risks relating to obtaining required permits and compliance with permitting, zoning, land-use and environmental requirements, the risk that the company will not declare and pay dividends as anticipated for 2012 and the risk that the company may not be able to maintain its qualification as a REIT for federal tax purposes. The periodic reports that the company files with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 and its quarterly reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ending March 31, 2011, June 30, 2011 and September 30, 2011, contain detailed descriptions of these and many other risks to which the company is subject. These reports are available on our website at www.dft.com. Because of the risks described above and other unknown risks, the company's actual results, performance or achievements may differ materially from the results, performance or achievements contemplated by its forward-looking statements. The information set forth in this news release represents management's expectations and intentions only as of the date of this press release. The company assumes no responsibility to issue updates to the contents of this press release.

Note: This press release supplement contains certain non-GAAP financial measures that management believes are helpful in understanding the company’s business, as further discussed within this press release supplement. These financial measures, which include Funds From Operations, Adjusted Funds From Operations, Funds From Operations per share and Adjusted Funds From Operations per share, should not be considered as an alternative to net earnings or any other GAAP measurement of performance or as an alternative to cash flows from operating, investing or financing activities. Furthermore, these non-GAAP financial measures are not intended to be a measure of cash flow or liquidity. Information included in this supplemental package is unaudited.

DUPONT FABROS TECHNOLOGY, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (in thousands except share and per share data)

	Three months ended December 31,		Year ended December 31,
	2011	2010	2011	2010
Revenues:
Base rent	$ 49,783	$ 43,106	$ 193,908	$ 154,936
Recoveries from tenants	24,194	20,135	91,246	78,447
Other revenues	425	2,770	2,287	9,158

Total revenues	74,402	66,011	287,441	242,541
Expenses:
Property operating costs	21,979	17,128	80,351	67,033
Real estate taxes and insurance	1,928	1,342	6,392	5,281
Depreciation and amortization	20,470	17,156	75,070	62,483
General and administrative	3,439	3,607	15,955	14,743
Other expenses	179	2,163	1,137	7,124

Total expenses	47,995	41,396	178,905	156,664

Operating income	26,407	24,615	108,536	85,877
Interest income	12	386	486	1,074
Interest:
Expense incurred	(9,990)	(8,706)	(27,096)	(36,746)
Amortization of deferred financing costs	(810)	(3,292)	(2,446)	(6,497)

Net income	15,619	13,003	79,480	43,708
Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests – operating partnership	(2,302)	(3,592)	(14,505)	(13,261)

Net income attributable to controlling interests	13,317	9,411	64,975	30,447
Preferred stock dividends	(5,573)	(3,157)	(20,874)	(3,157)

Net income attributable to common shares	$ 7,744	$ 6,254	$ 44,101	$ 27,290

Earnings per share – basic:
Net income attributable to common shares	$ 0.12	$ 0.10	$ 0.71	$ 0.51

Weighted average common shares outstanding	62,217,754	59,055,307	61,241,520	52,800,712

Earnings per share – diluted:
Net income attributable to common shares	$ 0.12	$ 0.10	$ 0.71	$ 0.51

Weighted average common shares outstanding	63,242,288	60,310,402	62,303,905	54,092,703

Dividends declared per common share	$ 0.12	$ 0.12	$ 0.48	$ 0.44

DUPONT FABROS TECHNOLOGY, INC. RECONCILIATIONS OF NET INCOME TO FFO AND AFFO (1) (unaudited and in thousands except share and per share data)

	Three months ended December 31,		Year ended December 31,
	2011	2010	2011	2010

Net income	$ 15,619	$ 13,003	$ 79,480	$ 43,708
Depreciation and amortization	20,470	17,156	75,070	62,483
Less: Non real estate depreciation and amortization	(262)	(190)	(862)	(642)

FFO	35,827	29,969	153,688	105,549
Preferred stock dividends	(5,573)	(3,157)	(20,874)	(3,157)
FFO attributable to common shares and OP units	$ 30,254	26,812	132,814	102,392
Straight-line revenues	(4,577)	(9,514)	(34,095)	(35,403)
Amortization of lease contracts above and below market value	(974)	(535)	(2,874)	(2,505)
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	—	2,547	—	2,547
Compensation paid with Company common shares	1,517	1,005	5,950	3,803

AFFO	$ 26,220	$ 20,315	$ 101,795	$ 70,834
FFO attributable to common shares and OP units per share - diluted	$ 0.37	$ 0.33	$ 1.61	$ 1.33
AFFO per share - diluted	$ 0.32	$ 0.25	$ 1.23	$ 0.92
Weighted average common shares and OP units outstanding - diluted	82,497,118	82,392,751	82,449,427	77,085,859

(1) Funds from operations, or FFO, is used by industry analysts and investors as a supplemental operating performance measure for REITs. The Company calculates FFO in accordance with the definition that was adopted by the Board of Governors of the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts, or NAREIT. FFO, as defined by NAREIT, represents net income determined in accordance with GAAP, excluding extraordinary items as defined under GAAP, impairment charges on depreciable real estate assets and gains or losses from sales of previously depreciated operating real estate assets, plus specified non-cash items, such as real estate asset depreciation and amortization, and after adjustments for unconsolidated partnerships and joint ventures. The Company also presents FFO attributable to common shares and OP units, which is FFO excluding preferred stock dividends. FFO attributable to common shares and OP units per share is calculated on a basis consistent with net income attributable to common shares and OP units and reflects adjustments to net income for preferred stock dividends.

The Company uses FFO as a supplemental performance measure because, in excluding real estate related depreciation and amortization and gains and losses from property dispositions, it provides a performance measure that, when compared period over period, captures trends in occupancy rates, rental rates and operating expenses. The Company also believes that, as a widely recognized measure of the performance of equity REITs, FFO may be used by investors as a basis to compare the Company's operating performance with that of other REITs. However, because FFO excludes real estate related depreciation and amortization and captures neither the changes in the value of the Company's properties that result from use or market conditions nor the level of capital expenditures and leasing commissions necessary to maintain the operating performance of the Company's properties, all of which have real economic effects and could materially impact the Company's results from operations, the utility of FFO as a measure of the Company's performance is limited.

While FFO is a relevant and widely used measure of operating performance of equity REITs, other equity REITs may use different methodologies for calculating FFO and, accordingly, FFO as disclosed by such other REITs may not be comparable to the Company's FFO. Therefore, the Company believes that in order to facilitate a clear understanding of its historical operating results, FFO should be examined in conjunction with net income as presented in the consolidated statements of operations. FFO should not be considered as an alternative to net income or to cash flow from operating activities (each as computed in accordance with GAAP) or as an indicator of the Company's liquidity, nor is it indicative of funds available to meet the Company's cash needs, including its ability to pay dividends or make distributions.

The Company also presents FFO with supplemental adjustments to arrive at Adjusted FFO ("AFFO"). AFFO is FFO attributable to common shares and OP units excluding straight-line revenue, non-cash stock based compensation, gain or loss on derivative instruments, acquisition of service agreements, below market lease amortization net of above market lease amortization and early extinguishment of debt costs. AFFO does not represent cash generated from operating activities in accordance with GAAP and therefore should not be considered an alternative to net income as an indicator of the Company's operating performance or as an alternative to cash flow provided by operations as a measure of liquidity and is not necessarily indicative of funds available to fund the Company's cash needs including the Company's ability to pay dividends. In addition, AFFO may not be comparable to similarly titled measurements employed by other companies. The Company's management uses AFFO in management reports to provide a measure of REIT operating performance that can be compared to other companies using AFFO.

DUPONT FABROS TECHNOLOGY, INC. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (in thousands except share data)

	December 31, 2011	December 31, 2010
ASSETS
Income producing property:
Land	$ 63,393	$ 50,531
Buildings and improvements	2,123,377	1,779,955

	2,186,770	1,830,486
Less: accumulated depreciation	(242,245)	(172,537)

Net income producing property	1,944,525	1,657,949
Construction in progress and land held for development	320,611	336,686

Net real estate	2,265,136	1,994,635
Cash and cash equivalents	14,402	226,950
Restricted cash	174	1,600
Rents and other receivables	1,388	3,227
Deferred rent	126,862	92,767
Lease contracts above market value, net	11,352	13,484
Deferred costs, net	40,349	45,543
Prepaid expenses and other assets	31,708	19,245

Total assets	$ 2,491,371	$ 2,397,451

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Liabilities:
Line of credit	$ 20,000	$ —
Mortgage notes payable	144,800	150,000
Unsecured notes payable	550,000	550,000
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	22,955	21,409
Construction costs payable	20,300	67,262
Accrued interest payable	2,528	2,766
Dividend and distribution payable	14,543	12,970
Lease contracts below market value, net	18,313	23,319
Prepaid rents and other liabilities	29,058	22,644

Total liabilities	822,497	850,370
Redeemable noncontrolling interests—operating partnership	461,739	466,823
Commitments and contingencies	—	—
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, $.001 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized:
Series A cumulative redeemable perpetual preferred stock, 7,400,000 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010	185,000	185,000
Series B cumulative redeemable perpetual preferred stock, 4,050,000 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2011 and no shares issued or outstanding at December 31, 2010	101,250	—
Common stock, $.001 par value, 250,000,000 shares authorized, 62,914,987 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2011 and 59,827,005 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2010	63	60
Additional paid in capital	927,902	946,379
Accumulated deficit	(7,080)	(51,181)

Total stockholders' equity	1,207,135	1,080,258

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 2,491,371	$ 2,397,451

DUPONT FABROS TECHNOLOGY, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (in thousands)

	Year ended December 31,
	2011	2010
Cash flow from operating activities
Net income	$ 79,480	$ 43,708
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities
Depreciation and amortization	75,070	62,483
Straight line rent	(34,095)	(35,403)
Amortization of deferred financing costs	2,446	3,950
Amortization of lease contracts above and below market value	(2,874)	(2,505)
Write-off of deferred financing costs	—	2,547
Compensation paid with Company common shares	5,950	3,803
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
Restricted cash	322	(274)
Rents and other receivables	1,839	(852)
Deferred costs	(1,773)	(2,563)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(3,854)	(7,811)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	(1,238)	5,083
Accrued interest payable	(238)	(744)
Prepaid rents and other liabilities	4,081	5,261

Net cash provided by operating activities	125,116	76,683

Cash flow from investing activities
Investments in real estate – development	(351,090)	(265,217)
Land acquisition costs	(9,507)	—
Marketable securities held to maturity
Purchase	—	(60,000)
Redemption	—	198,978
Interest capitalized for real estate under development	(27,024)	(25,177)
Improvements to real estate	(3,821)	(2,985)
Additions to non-real estate property	(304)	(630)

Net cash used in investing activities	(391,746)	(155,031)

Cash flow from financing activities
Issuance of preferred stock, net of offering costs	97,450	178,620
Issuance of common stock, net of offering costs	—	305,176
Proceeds from line of credit	20,000	—
Mortgage notes payable:
Repayments	(5,200)	(2,000)
Lump sum payoffs	—	(196,500)
Return of escrowed proceeds	1,104	8,896
Exercises of stock options	700	820
Payments of financing costs	(1,338)	(2,950)
Dividends and distributions:
Common shares	(29,338)	(17,796)
Preferred shares	(19,325)	—
Redeemable noncontrolling interests – operating partnership	(9,971)	(7,247)

Net cash provided by financing activities	54,082	267,019

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(212,548)	188,671
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning	226,950	38,279

Cash and cash equivalents, ending	$ 14,402	$ 226,950

Supplemental information:
Cash paid for interest	$ 54,358	$ 62,667

Deferred financing costs capitalized for real estate under development	$ 1,387	$ 1,198

Construction costs payable capitalized for real estate under development	$ 20,300	$ 67,262

Redemption of OP units for common shares	$ 66,500	$ 68,000

Adjustments to redeemable noncontrolling interests	$ 56,535	$ 82,632

DUPONT FABROS TECHNOLOGY, INC. *Operating Properties* *As of December 31, 2011*

Property	Property Location	Year Built/ Renovated	Gross Building Area (2)	Raised Square Feet (3)	Critical Load MW (4)	% Leased (5)	% Commenced (5)
Stabilized (1)
ACC2	Ashburn, VA	2001/2005	87,000	53,000	10.4	100%	100%
ACC3	Ashburn, VA	2001/2006	147,000	80,000	13.9	100%	100%
ACC4	Ashburn, VA	2007	347,000	172,000	36.4	100%	100%
ACC5	Ashburn, VA	2009-2010	360,000	176,000	36.4	100%	100%
CH1 Phase I	Elk Grove Village, IL	2008	285,000	122,000	18.2	98%	98%
VA3	Reston, VA	2003	256,000	147,000	13.0	100%	100%
VA4	Bristow, VA	2005	230,000	90,000	9.6	100%	100%

Subtotal— stabilized			1,712,000	840,000	137.9	99%	99%

Completed not Stabilized
NJ1 Phase I	Piscataway, NJ	2010	180,000	88,000	18.2	34%	34%
ACC6 Phase I	Ashburn, VA	2011	131,000	66,000	13.0	8%	8%
SC1 Phase I (6)	Santa Clara, CA	2011	180,000	88,000	18.2	13%	13%

Subtotal— non-stabilized			491,000	242,000	49.4	19%	19%


Total Operating Properties			2,203,000	1,082,000	187.3	79%	79%

(1) Stabilized operating properties are either 85% or more leased or have been in service for 24 months or greater. (2) Gross building area is the entire building area, including raised square footage (the portion of gross building area where the tenants' computer servers are located), tenant common areas, areas controlled by the Company (such as the mechanical, telecommunications and utility rooms) and, in some facilities, individual office and storage space leased on an as available basis to the tenants. (3) Raised square footage is that portion of gross building area where the tenants locate their computer servers. The Company considers raised square footage to be the net rentable square footage in each of its facilities. (4) Critical load (also referred to as IT load or load used by tenants' servers or related equipment) is the power available for exclusive use by tenants expressed in terms of megawatt, or MW, or kilowatt, or kW (1 MW is equal to 1,000 kW). (5) Percentage leased is expressed as a percentage of critical load that is subject to an executed lease. Percentage commenced is expressed as a percentage of critical load where the lease has commenced under generally accepted accounting principles. Leases executed as of December 31, 2011 represent $192 million of base rent on a straight-line basis and $190 million on a cash basis over the next twelve months. This excludes contractual management fees and approximately $3 million net amortization increase in revenue of above and below market leases. (6) As of February 7, 2012, SC1 Phase I is 25% leased and commenced.

*DUPONT FABROS TECHNOLOGY, INC.* *Lease Expirations* *As of December 31, 2011* The following table sets forth a summary schedule of lease expirations of the operating properties for each of the ten calendar years beginning with 2012. The information set forth in the table below assumes that tenants exercise no renewal options and takes into account tenants' early termination options.

Year of Lease Expiration	Number of Leases Expiring (1)	Raised Square Feet Expiring (in thousands) (2)	% of Leased Raised Square Feet	Total kW of Expiring Leases (3)	% of Leased kW	% of Annualized Base Rent
2012(4)	2	72	8.2 %	6,878	4.7%	4.0%
2013	2	30	3.4 %	3,030	2.1%	1.0%
2014	6	35	4.0 %	6,287	4.3%	4.4%
2015	6	84	9.5 %	16,250	11.0%	10.1%
2016	5	71	8.0 %	11,640	7.9%	7.8%
2017	9	86	9.8 %	16,310	11.1%	11.2%
2018	6	89	10.1 %	18,152	12.3%	12.8%
2019	9	116	13.2 %	21,067	14.3%	13.6%
2020	8	82	9.3 %	13,895	9.4%	10.3%
2021	7	130	14.7 %	21,669	14.7%	16.3%
After 2021	7	87	9.8 %	11,902	8.2%	8.5%

Total	67	882	100 %	147,080	100%	100%

(1) Represents 31 tenants with 67 lease expiration dates. Top three tenants represent 55% of annualized base rent as of December 31, 2011. (2) Raised square footage is that portion of gross building area where the tenants locate their computer servers. The Company considers raised square footage to be the net rentable square footage in each of its facilities. (3) One MW is equal to 1,000 kW. (4) One lease will expire on April 30, 2012, representing 67,000 raised square feet, 7.6% of leased raised square feet and 5,740 kW of critical load as of December 31, 2011. The second lease has an option to terminate on six months notice.

*DUPONT FABROS TECHNOLOGY, INC.* *Development Projects* *As of December 31, 2011* *($ in thousands)*

Property	Property Location	Gross Building Area (1)	Raised Square Feet (2)	Critical Load MW (3)	Estimated Total Cost (4)	Construction in Progress & Land Held for Development (5)	% Pre-Leased
*Current Development Projects*
CH1 Phase II (6)	Elk Grove Village, IL	200,000	109,000	18.2	$ 190,000 - 192,000	$ 178,361	79%


Future Development Projects/Phases
NJ1 Phase II	Piscataway, NJ	180,000	88,000	18.2		39,217
SC1 Phase II	Santa Clara, CA	180,000	88,000	18.2		61,104
ACC6 Phase II	Ashburn, VA	131,000	66,000	13.0		26,085

		491,000	242,000	49.4		126,406


Land Held for Development
ACC7 Phase I /II	Ashburn, VA	360,000	176,000	36.4		10,052
ACC8	Ashburn, VA	100,000	50,000	10.4		3,705
SC2 Phase I/II	Santa Clara, CA	300,000	171,000	36.4		2,087

		760,000	397,000	83.2		15,844

Total		1,451,000	748,000	150.8		$ 320,611

(1) Gross building area is the entire building area, including raised square footage (the portion of gross building area where the tenants' computer servers are located), tenant common areas, areas controlled by the Company (such as the mechanical, telecommunications and utility rooms) and, in some facilities, individual office and storage space leased on an as available basis to the tenants. (2) Raised square footage is that portion of gross building area where the tenants locate their computer servers. The Company considers raised square footage to be the net rentable square footage in each of its facilities. (3) Critical load (also referred to as IT load or load used by tenants' servers or related equipment) is the power available for exclusive use by tenants expressed in terms of MW or kW (1 MW is equal to 1,000 kW). (4) Current development projects include land, capitalization for construction and development, capitalized interest and capitalized operating carrying costs, as applicable, upon completion. (5) Amount capitalized as of December 31, 2011. Future Phase II development projects include only land, shell, underground work and capitalized interest through Phase I opening. (6) Placed in service on February 1, 2012 with 57% of leases commencing.

*DUPONT FABROS TECHNOLOGY, INC.* *Debt Summary as of December 31, 2011* *($ in thousands)*
	Amounts	% of Total	Rates (1)	Maturities (years)
Secured	$ 144,800	20%	3.3%	2.9
Unsecured	570,000	80%	8.3%	5.1

Total	$ 714,800	100%	7.3%	4.7

Fixed Rate Debt:
Unsecured Notes	$ 550,000	77%	8.5%	5.3

Fixed Rate Debt	550,000	77%	8.5%	5.3

Floating Rate Debt:
Unsecured Credit Facility (2)	20,000	3%	3.5%	1.3
ACC5 Term Loan	144,800	20%	3.3%	2.9

Floating Rate Debt	164,800	23%	3.3%	2.7

Total	$ 714,800	100%	7.3%	4.7


Note: The Company capitalized interest and deferred financing cost amortization of $3.3 million and $28.4 million during the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2011, respectively. (1) Rates as of December 31, 2011. (2) Repaid in full on January 19, 2012.

*Debt Maturity as of December 31, 2011* *($ in thousands)*

Year	Fixed Rate	Floating Rate	Total	% of Total	Rates (4)
2012	—	5,200 (2)	5,200	0.7 %	3.3 %
2013	—	25,200 (2)(3)	25,200	3.5 %	3.5 %
2014	—	134,400 (2)	134,400	18.8 %	3.3 %
2015	125,000 (1)	—	125,000	17.5 %	8.5 %
2016	125,000 (1)	—	125,000	17.5 %	8.5 %
2017	300,000 (1)	—	300,000	42.0 %	8.5 %

Total	$ 550,000	$ 164,800	$ 714,800	100 %	7.3 %


(1) The Unsecured Notes have mandatory amortizations of $125.0 million due in 2015, $125.0 million due in 2016 and $300.0 million due in 2017. (2) The ACC5 Term Loan matures on December 2, 2014 with no extension option and requires quarterly principal payments of $1.3 million through maturity. (3) The Unsecured Credit Facility matures on May 6, 2013 with a one-year extension option. The $20 million outstanding as of December 31, 2011 was repaid in full on January 19, 2012. (4) Rates as of December 31, 2011.

*DUPONT FABROS TECHNOLOGY, INC.* *Selected Unsecured Debt Metrics*
	12/31/11	12/31/10
Interest Coverage Ratio (not less than 2.0)	3.5	2.8

Total Debt to Gross Asset Value (not to exceed 60%)	26.3%	27.4%

Secured Debt to Total Assets (not to exceed 40%)	5.3%	5.9%

Total Unsecured Assets to Unsecured Debt (not less than 150%)	329.5%	308.8%

These selected metrics relate to DuPont Fabros Technology, LP's outstanding unsecured debt. DuPont Fabros Technology, Inc. is the general partner of DuPont Fabros Technology, LP.

*Capital Structure as of December 31, 2011* *(in thousands except per share data)*

Line of Credit				$ 20,000
Mortgage Notes Payable				144,800
Unsecured Notes				550,000

Total Debt				714,800	23.9 %
Common Shares	77 %	62,915
Operating Partnership ("OP") Units	23%	19,064

Total Shares and Units	100%	81,979
Common Share Price at December 31, 2011		$ 24.22

Common Share and OP Unit Capitalization			$1,985,531
Preferred Stock ($25 per share liquidation preference)			286,250

Total Equity				2,271,781	76.1 %

Total Market Capitalization				$ 2,986,581	100.0 %

*DUPONT FABROS TECHNOLOGY, INC.* *Common Share and OP Unit* *Weighted Average Amounts Outstanding*
	Q4 2011	Q4 2010	YTD Q4 2011	YTD Q4 2010

Weighted Average Amounts Outstanding for EPS Purposes:

Common Shares – basic Shares issued from assumed conversion of:	62,217,754	59,055,307	61,241,520	52,800,712
- Restricted Shares	264,933	418,938	267,593	409,563
- Stock Options	759,601	836,157	794,792	882,428

Total Common Shares - diluted	63,242,288	60,310,402	62,303,905	54,092,703

Weighted Average Amounts Outstanding for FFO and AFFO Purposes:

Common Shares – basic	62,217,754	59,055,307	61,241,520	52,800,712
OP Units – basic	19,254,830	22,082,349	20,145,522	22,993,156

Total Common Shares and OP Units	81,472,584	81,137,656	81,387,042	75,793,868
Shares and OP Units issued from
assumed conversion of:
- Restricted Shares	264,933	418,938	267,593	409,563
- Stock Options	759,601	836,157	794,792	882,428

Total Common Shares and Units - diluted	82,497,118	82,392,751	82,449,427	77,085,859

Period Ending Amounts Outstanding:
Common Shares	62,914,987
OP Units	19,064,381

Total Common Shares and Units	81,979,368

*DUPONT FABROS TECHNOLOGY, INC.* *2012 Guidance* The earnings guidance/projections provided below are based on current expectations and are forward-looking.
	Expected Q1 2012 per share	Expected 2012 per share
Net income per common share and unit – diluted	$0.05 to $0.09	$0.25 to $0.43
Depreciation and amortization, net	0.26	1.06 to 1.08

FFO per share – diluted (1)	$0.31 to $0.35	$1.31 to $1.51

2012 Debt Assumptions
Weighted average debt outstanding	$692.5 million
Weighted average interest rate	7.58%

Total interest costs	$52.5 million
Amortization of deferred financing costs	3.7 million
Interest expense capitalized	(1.2) million
Deferred financing costs amortization capitalized	(0.2) million
Total interest expense after capitalization	$54.8 million

2012 Other Guidance Assumptions
Total revenues	$315 to $340 million
Base rent (included in total revenues)	$215 to $230 million
Straight-line revenues (included in base rent)	$15 to $25 million
General and administrative expense	$19 million
Investments in real estate – development (2)	$35 million
Improvements to real estate excluding development	$4 million
Preferred stock dividends	$27 million
Current common stock dividend distribution payout	$0.48 per share
Weighted average common shares and OP units - diluted	83 million

(2) Consists primarily of costs to complete CH1 Phase II; assumes no new developments are commenced in 2012.

SOURCE Dupont Fabros Technology, Inc.

Old World Industries Sells Chemical Business to Indorama Ventures PCL

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:48:08 +0000

Old World Industries Sells Chemical Business to Indorama Ventures PCL

Deal Includes Manufacturing Facility in Clear Lake, Texas

PR Newswire

NORTHBROOK, Ill., Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Old World Industries, LLC announced today an agreement to sell its Chemical Business, including the Ethylene Oxide/Ethylene Glycol manufacturing facility in Clear Lake, Texas, to Indorama Ventures PCL of Bangkok, Thailand.

The Consumer Products Division of Old World Industries will continue to operate as a privately held corporation out of Northbrook, Ill. All of Old World's consumer product lines, PEAK® Antifreeze, PEAK® Motor Oil, PEAK® Electronics, PEAK® Wiper Blades, BlueDEF™ Diesel Exhaust Fluid, and heavy duty coolants Fleet Charge and Final Charge, will continue to be part of Old World with no changes in personnel or structure.

As part of the purchase agreement, Old World will enter into a long-term glycol supply contract with Indorama for its antifreeze production in the US.

"The announcement is a strategic move that will allow Old World to focus all of its time and resources on expanding the PEAK family of products in the automotive and heavy duty marketplaces worldwide," said Tom Hurvis, Old World Industries' chairman and CEO.

PEAK products are marketed in more than 30 countries around the world utilizing NASCAR driver Danica Patrick as their long-term spokesperson.

In addition, Old World recently launched an eco-friendly diesel emissions exhaust treatment fluid under the BlueDEF brand name. Diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) is the fastest growing functional fluid in the North American heavy duty marketplace and is expected to reach more than one billion gallons of yearly consumer demand over the next decade. Old World is investing heavily in the infrastructure necessary to capture the leading position in this growing market.

William Blair & Company and Bracewell & Giuliani acted as financial and legal advisors respectively to Old World Industries LLC, and Evercore Partners and Allen & Overy acted as financial and legal advisors respectively to Indorama Ventures PCL.

About Indorama Ventures PCL

Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited, listed in Thailand (Bloomberg ticker IVL.TB), is a leading producer in the polyester value chain in Thailand with strong global network and manufacturing across Asia, Europe and North America. Its products serve major players in diversified end use markets, including food, beverages, personal and home care, health care, automotives, textile, and industrial. The company's main products are PTA, PET and polyester fiber, which are distributed across the world. IVL has approximately 8,920 employees worldwide and a consolidated revenue for the last 12 months of $5.5 billion.

About Old World Industries

Old World Industries, LLC is among the largest privately-held companies competing in the automotive aftermarket. The Northbrook, Illinois-based company enjoys a presence in various consumer product markets in more than 30 countries worldwide. Old World's brands include a full line of PEAK® Performance Products including Antifreeze, Motor Oil, Washer Fluid, Electronics and Wiper Blades; SIERRA® Antifreeze; Fleet Charge® Fully Formulated Coolant; Final Charge® Heavy Duty Global Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant; SmartBLADE™ Premium Wiper Blades; HERCULINER® Truck Bed Liner Kits; and BlueDEF® Diesel Exhaust Fluid. For more information, please visit www.peakauto.com.

Media Contact:
Brent Diggins
480.776.6416
oldworld@allisonpr.com

SOURCE Old World Industries

For 24th Straight Year, Chem-Dry Ranks High on Entrepreneur Top Franchises List

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:48:00 +0000

Utah Company Is Magazine's Choice for Top Carpet Cleaner

Chem-Dry, the nation's leading carpet cleaning firm and a top-rated franchise company, has made Entrepreneur magazine's Annual Franchise 500 list of top franchise opportunities for the 24th consecutive year.

In the magazine's most recent Franchise 500 list, Chem-Dry ranked 46th, up 10 spots from last year's edition. Chem-Dry was the highest-ranked carpet cleaning franchise on the list.

The annual list -- this year's was the 33rd -- is closely followed and influential, and it's not the only superlative Entrepreneur reserves for Chem-Dry: It ranks the company ninth on its list of top 10 low-cost franchises and 12th on its annual list of top home-based franchises.

"Our ranking reflects our company's excellence and consistency," said Dan Tarantin, president and CEO of Harris Research Inc., Chem-Dry's parent company. "We take pride in being the top carpet cleaner in America by both market share and quality, and our longstanding presence on the Entrepreneur list demonstrates the success and staying power of our franchise system, which consists of more than 3,500 units around the world."

Chem-Dry's hot carbonated water cleaning method uses about 20 percent of the water steam cleaners rely on, and the carpet dries in one to two hours instead of one of two days, resulting in a drier, cleaner, healthier carpet in the home or office.

"Chem-Dry was a 'green' company long before the term was fashionable," Tarantin said. "We've always used natural, healthy methods to clean because we understand the value of our customers' most treasured environments -- their homes and offices."

About Chem-Dry
Founded in 1977 and based in Logan, Utah, Chem-Dry is the nation's leading cleaner of carpet and other household and office surfaces. It uses a patented method of hot carbonated water extraction that provides a drier, cleaner, healthier clean, and its highly ranked franchise system, which consists of more than 3,500 units, extends worldwide. Chem-Dry has maintained a high ranking on Entrepreneur magazine's annual Franchise 500 list for 24 consecutive years and has been identified by Franchise Direct as one of the top 100 global franchises. For more information, see www.chemdry.com.

Media contact:
Ed Quinlan
Director of Marketing
(435) 755-0099, ext. 1077
Email Contact

Air Products' Hydrogen Technology to Surpass Fueling of Over 1,000 Material Handling Fuel Cell Units Daily at U.S. Customer Warehouses

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:15:00 +0000

Air Products' Hydrogen Technology to Surpass Fueling of Over 1,000 Material Handling Fuel Cell Units Daily at U.S. Customer Warehouses

Recent Addition of a Customer with Warehouse Fleets in Four States Will Push Air Products Over the 1,000-Lift Milestone

PR Newswire

LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa., Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Today Air Products (NYSE: APD) helps businesses move consumer goods purchased and used every day by providing the hydrogen fueling and infrastructure to power nearly 1,000 material handling fuel cell units operating in warehouses across the United States. And when Air Products soon brings on stream its industry leading technology to fuel the material handling units of a customer with warehouse locations in Pennsylvania, New York, Massachusetts and Texas, it will easily eclipse the 1,000 unit milestone.

"We are the leader in providing hydrogen fueling and the related infrastructure to the material handling market. Today we are fueling nearly 1,000 pieces of material handling equipment, and we are refueling them safely on a daily basis. We are very proud of this accomplishment and with future installations already under contract, doubling the number of units is already within sight," said Ed Kiczek, global director – Hydrogen Energy Systems at Air Products. "It goes without saying that our technology's consistent performance and reliability, along with the environmental sustainability and productivity benefits we provide have been recognized by this market application."

Kiczek added that the early support in demonstration projects partially funded by the United States Department of Energy was important to proving the benefits of the technology. Details on Air Products' hydrogen fueling station technologies and projects are provided at www.airproducts.com/h2energy.

There are many advantages to using hydrogen-powered forklifts and material handling equipment. Hydrogen-powered equipment only needs refueling once or twice daily, depending on use, and does not require change-out downtime while traditional battery-powered equipment is taken out of operation for battery replacement or recharging approximately every four to six hours. Hydrogen-powered equipment provides consistent power strength during use and does not experience decreased performance or wear down as battery units do when nearing change-out or recharge time. Additionally, unlike battery-powered forklifts, hydrogen-powered fuel cells are not adversely impacted by temperature when operating in coolers and freezers. Further, hydrogen-powered equipment is more environmentally friendly and does not involve lead-acid battery storage or disposal issues.

Many of the material handling units being fueled by Air Products include Plug Power's (NASDAQ: PLUG) GenDrive^® hydrogen fuel cell power units. The GenDrive systems can be quickly refueled in just minutes, completely eliminating the need to change, store, charge and maintain multiple lead acid batteries for each lift.

"Plug Power has captured the leadership role in manufacturing, shipping and deploying GenDrive fuel cell units to commercially viable material handling customer sites," said Andy Marsh, CEO at Plug Power. "Plug Power holds over 85% of this market. And, as referenced by Air Products, continuing to secure multi-site material handling customers only further proves the reliability and value-add of the hydrogen-powered GenDrive product to the customer."

Air Products, the leading global supplier of hydrogen to refineries to assist in the production of cleaner burning transportation fuels, has unique experience in the hydrogen fueling industry. These varied fueling applications provide an opportunity to assess consumer experiences, evaluate product performance and advance product improvements. In fact, in certain market applications, fueling rates at several individual sites of over 15,000 refills per year are occurring. The company has placed over 130 hydrogen fueling stations in the United States and 19 countries worldwide. Cars, trucks, vans, buses, scooters, forklifts, locomotives, planes, cell towers, material handling equipment, and even submarines have been fueled with trend-setting technologies that involve Air Products' know-how, equipment and hydrogen. Use of the company's technology is increasing and is currently over 350,000 hydrogen fills per year.

Air Products has more than 50 years of hydrogen experience and is on the forefront of hydrogen energy technology development. Air Products has an extensive patent portfolio with over 50 patents in hydrogen dispensing technology. Air Products provides liquid and gaseous hydrogen, and HCNG (hydrogen/compressed natural gas) fueling, and has developed a variety of enabling devices and protocols for fuel dispensing at varied pressures. Hydrogen for these stations can be delivered to a site via truck, produced by natural gas reformation, biomass conversion, or by electrolysis, including electrolysis that is solar and wind driven.

About Air Products

Air Products (NYSE:APD) provides atmospheric, process and specialty gases; performance materials; equipment; and technology. For over 70 years, the company has enabled customers to become more productive, energy efficient and sustainable. More than 18,000 employees in over 40 countries supply innovative solutions to the energy, environment and emerging markets. These include semiconductor materials, refinery hydrogen, coal gasification, natural gas liquefaction, and advanced coatings and adhesives. In fiscal 2011, Air Products had sales of $10.1 billion. For more information, visit www.airproducts.com.

About Plug Power
The architects of modern fuel cell technology, Plug Power revolutionized the industry with cost-effective power solutions that increase productivity, lower operating costs and reduce carbon footprints. Long-standing relationships with industry leaders forged the path for our key accounts, including Wegmans, Whole Foods, and FedEx Freight. With more than 2,000 GenDrive units shipped to material handling customers, accumulating over 5 million hours of runtime, Plug Power manufactures tomorrow's incumbent power solutions today. Visit us at www.plugpower.com.

***NOTE: This release may contain forward-looking statements within the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on management's reasonable expectations and assumptions as of the date of this release regarding important risk factors. Actual performance and financial results may differ materially from projections and estimates expressed in the forward-looking statements because of many factors not anticipated by management, including risk factors described in the Company's Form 10K for its fiscal year ended September 30, 2011.

SOURCE Air Products

NanoInk Announces Launch of Contract Services Program for Live Single Cell Assay Work

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:11:00 +0000

Service Offering Expected to Advance Research Programs Involved With Toxicity Assessment, High Content Screening, and Cell-Cell Communication

NanoInk's® NanoFabrication Systems Division announced today that it introduced a new contract services program dedicated to the development of live single cell array assays. This offering supplements NanoInk's portfolio of Dip Pen Nanolithography® (DPN®)-based systems and tools used for micro and nanopatterning applications to include a service component. Life scientists now have even more ways to access the advantages of DPN for their research.

At the heart of the NanoFabrication Systems' contract services program is its DPN nanofabrication instruments capable of constructing complex multiplexed patterns of biocompatible materials at sub-cellular scales. This capability can be utilized to construct defined microenvironments for attaching live single cells and subsequently investigating cellular responses. Single cells (up to 5,000 individual cells on a single NanoInk chip) can be exposed to different external stimuli (including biological, chemical and topographical stimuli) and the downstream effects of these stimuli can be monitored at the cellular, proteomic or genomic levels. Additionally, studies on limited or rare cells harvested from a patient can potentially be exposed to many conditions, making theranostic applications possible. This new contract services program will enable researchers to engage NanoInk to design, develop and construct custom single cell assays.

"We believe that NanoInk's single cell assay technology has the potential to revolutionize in vitro cell biology research, including applications in drug toxicity testing and drug screening. Micropatterned single cells can also be harnessed to probe underlying mechanisms of cell behavior like cell-cell interactions, cell-surface interactions, cell migration, and cell invasion," explained Tom Warwick, general manager of the NanoFabrication Systems Division.

NanoInk has already demonstrated the ability of its nanofabrication platform to place single cells at defined locations on a substrate and to then expose individual cells to small molecules and nanoparticles.

Saju Nettikadan, Ph.D., director of applications development at NanoInk, said, "NanoInk findings also show that two different cell types can be placed at defined locations on a single chip to form single cell co-cultures. We have demonstrated the single cell co-culture proof-of-concept using 3T3 fibroblasts and C2C12 myoblasts. As part of our live single cell assay contract research program, we welcome requests to design and develop custom assays."

NanoInk's NanoFabrication Systems Division brings sophisticated nanofabrication to the laboratory desktop in an easy to use and affordable setting. For more information on nanofabrication instruments and tools, as well as the new single cell assay contract services program, please contact Tom Warwick at twarwick@nanoink.net, (847)679-NANO (6266) or visit www.nanoink.net/divisions.html#NanoFabrication.

About NanoInk
NanoInk, Inc. is an emerging growth technology company specializing in nanometer-scale manufacturing and applications development for the life sciences, engineering, pharmaceutical, and education industries. Using Dip Pen Nanolithography® (DPN®), a patented and proprietary nanofabrication technology, scientists are enabled to rapidly and easily create micro-and nanoscale structures from a variety of materials on a range of substrates. This low cost, easy to use and scalable technique brings sophisticated nanofabrication to the laboratory desktop. Headquartered in the Illinois Science + Technology Park, north of Chicago, NanoInk currently has several divisions including the NanoFabrication Systems Division, the Nano BioDiscovery Division, the NanoProfessor™ Division and the NanoGuardian™ Division. For more information on products and services offered by NanoInk, Inc., visit www.nanoink.net.

NanoInk, the NanoInk logo, Dip Pen Nanolithography, and DPN are registered trademarks of NanoInk, Inc.

Contacts:

Joshua Taustein
Dresner Corporate Services
(312)780-7219
jtaustein@dresnerco.com

David Gutierrez
Dresner Corporate Services
(312)780-7204
dgutierrez@dresnerco.com

American Chemistry Council Launches Energy Advocacy and Awareness Campaign

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:30:00 +0000

American Chemistry Council Launches Energy Advocacy and Awareness Campaign

PR Newswire

WASHINGTON, Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Chemistry Council (ACC) today announced the launch of a new energy advocacy and awareness campaign, From Chemistry to Energy. Cal Dooley, ACC President and CEO, was joined by members of Congress and business leaders at an event on Capitol Hill.

"In order for our economy to grow, U.S. industries to innovate and compete globally, and businesses to create new jobs, a national energy strategy is critical," said Cal Dooley, ACC President and CEO. "Through this campaign, we will promote the development of sound energy policies that support these goals, while highlighting chemistry's role in enabling a strong, secure and sustainable future for the United States."

Americans agree that a national energy strategy is needed. According to a recent national survey conducted by Washington-based Clarus Research Group, an overwhelming majority of voters (94 percent) believe that a "comprehensive energy policy is essential to building a strong economy, creating new jobs, and making America more competitive with other countries." To view the full survey findings, please visit ChemistryToEnergy.com.

"Many people don't realize that the chemistry industry is the foundation of America's manufacturing sector," said Jim Gallogly, CEO of LyondellBasell. "Chemistry creates the basic building blocks for countless products Americans rely on every day, as well as 96 percent of all manufactured goods made in the U.S.A. Abundant, affordable domestic natural gas has created a new competitive edge for American chemistry, and it's driving a renaissance in U.S. manufacturing."

"America's chemistry industry is a technology and materials innovator and can play a central role in meeting energy challenges," said Gary W. Spitzer, President, DuPont Chemicals & Fluoroproducts. "At DuPont, we are intensely focused on using science to address major challenges, including the need for abundant, affordable and increasingly clean energy. We offer solutions that enable renewable energy technologies as well as reduced energy consumption, and we continuously improve our own energy efficiency. These efforts reflect the kinds of contributions being made across our industry."

A recent ACC study found that the use of chemistry in energy-saving products and technologies helps save up to 10.9 quadrillion Btus of energy annually, enough to power up to 56 million households or up to 135 million vehicles each year, and saving Americans up to $85 billion in energy costs annually.

ACC will be advocating for a comprehensive national energy strategy that maximizes all domestic energy resources, with a focus on robust and responsible production of domestic shale gas; improved residential, commercial and industrial energy efficiency; and expanded adoption of energy recovery programs. Each will help meet national energy security, economic and environmental goals while also creating value for the business of chemistry.

For more information about the From Chemistry to Energy campaign, please visit ChemistryToEnergy.com. Also, join the conversation on Twitter using #Chemistry2Energy and follow campaign updates at @AmChemistry and blog.americanchemistry.com.

http://www.americanchemistry.com

The American Chemistry Council (ACC) represents the leading companies engaged in the business of chemistry. ACC members apply the science of chemistry to make innovative products and services that make people's lives better, healthier and safer. ACC is committed to improved environmental, health and safety performance through Responsible Care^®, common sense advocacy designed to address major public policy issues, and health and environmental research and product testing. The business of chemistry is a $720 billion enterprise and a key element of the nation's economy. It is one of the nation's largest exporters, accounting for ten cents out of every dollar in U.S. exports. Chemistry companies are among the largest investors in research and development. Safety and security have always been primary concerns of ACC members, and they have intensified their efforts, working closely with government agencies to improve security and to defend against any threat to the nation's critical infrastructure.

SOURCE American Chemistry Council

Falken Industries Ltd Reports Year End and Fourth Quarter 2011 Results; Announces 2012 Financial Outlook

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:20:48 +0000

- 2011 basic diluted net profit per share $ 0.0114

- 2011 operating revenues, up 15.77 percent over 2010

- 2011 EBITDA up 360% over 2010

- 2012 outlook extremely positive

Falken Industries Ltd (OTCBB:FLKI) today reported fourth quarter 2011 net profit per share (EPS) of $ 0.0114 or 36% of its current depressed share price which were last bid at $ 0.031. Operating Revenues rose 15.77 percent on strong net margins of 32.2% notwithstanding heavy distributor support for promotion and marketing expense.

"I'm pleased to report that 2011 was a solid year for Falken Industries Ltd," said Manuel Garcia, Communications Officer. The company has been profitable since 2009, with major improvements noted in 2011. Responding to a recent inquiry, Garcia stated: "The company's publicly traded shares are simply not representative of either the company's performance or value." The shares are currently trading at 37% of Falken's stated book value, undoubtedly reflecting the company's priority interest in its core business and neglect of the investment banking community, a problem which is being addressed according to a company spokesman.

"With forthcoming acquisitions and development of intellectual properties the company will continue its record of delivering fundamental value to its shareholders", said Garcia. "We are working hard at translating that fundamental value into share value and believe this year will prove quite rewarding", added Garcia.

As it enters 2012, Falken Industries Ltd will continue its focus on growth-oriented acquisitions and activities. "We'll continue to execute a consistent, balanced growth strategy, where strategic acquisitions and organic growth are priorities", continued Garcia.

2012 Financial Outlook

The company will discuss both its 2011 performance and 2012 financial outlook in greater detail during the analyst and trade conference being held at its European facility today.

About Falken Industries Ltd:

Falken Industries Ltd (OTCBB:FLKI) is a diversified industrial conglomerate that operates in Chemicals, Wet Wipe and Biodegradable Technology. Falken Industries Ltd is the concept behind more than 160 products distributed through a network of global platforms and the recipient of trade awards for innovations, biodegradability and environmental and health quality standards.

SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT: This news release contains "forward-looking statements" made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the 1995 Private Securities Litigation Reform Act. "Forward-looking statements" describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies and are generally preceded by words such as "future", "plan" or "planned", "will" or "should", "expected", "anticipates", "draft", "eventually" or "projected". Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that our products may not achieve customer acceptance or perform as intended, that we may be unable to obtain necessary financing to continue operations and development, and other risks. You should consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements included herein, and not place undue reliance on such statements.

Falken Industries Ltd
Manuel Garcia
Communications Officer
+1609 357 0316
mgarciafaure@falkenltd.com

Sino Legend Releases Detailed Technology Development Timeline

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:00:00 +0000

Now Available at www.SinoLegendFacts.com

Sino Legend (Zhangjiagang) Chemical Co., Ltd., the largest Asian manufacturer of resins for the tire and rubber industries, has launched an interactive timeline and fact sheet detailing its technology development and manufacturing history. These are now available at www.SinoLegendFacts.com.

The information was released to factually address baseless allegations by a competitor regarding Sino Legend's core technology for tackifying resins.

With its focus on world-class manufacturing combined with superior customer service, Sino Legend has become a supplier to eight of the top ten multinational tire companies operating in Asia, as well as to the majority of China's domestic manufacturers.

Just four years after beginning production, Sino Legend now holds 70 percent of the Chinese market and 30 percent share for the rest of Asia. It recently announced plans to expand into North America and Europe during 2012.

For additional information, please visit www.SinoLegendFacts.com.

Media Contact
Mike McDougall, APR
McDougall Travers Collins for Sino Legend
mmcdougall@mcdougalltc.com
+1-585-789-1623

GlyEco Announces Acquisition of Glycol Recycler Recycool

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:31:00 +0000

GlyEco, Inc. (GLYE is listed on www.otcmarkets.com) (OTCQB: GLYE) (OTCBB: GLYE) today announced it has signed an asset purchase agreement to acquire certain assets of Recycool, Inc. (www.recycool.net). Recycool is the dominant recycler in the Minneapolis, MN area and has been collecting and processing waste glycol -- primarily used antifreeze -- into high quality recycled antifreeze since 1995.

Recycool was founded by Marty Rosauer, Kurt Rosauer and Dennis Scott, early pioneers of the antifreeze recycling industry. Today, the company services nearly 400 customers in and around the Twin Cities metro area and will report 2011 revenues of approximately $430,000. The company's customer base is focused on vehicle dealers and repair shops, quick lube facilities, and governmental entities.

The founders and Recycool recycling team will continue to operate the Minnesota plant.

"We are very excited to have the entire Recycool group join forces with our team," stated John Lorenz, Chairman and CEO of GlyEco, Inc. "They produce high quality recycled antifreeze and have a tremendous customer service ethic. Their depth of industry experience makes the business a great asset in our growth strategy."

This purchase marks the beginning implementation of GlyEco's strategy for rapid growth through the acquisition of existing profitable recyclers. The acquired facilities will be upgraded with patent-pending GlyEco Technology™, improving production capacity, product quality and profitability. The company expects to expand its customer base and geographical reach at each location.

GlyEco Technology™ is a breakthrough green chemistry solution for recycling used glycols. This is the only process that can cleanse all five major types of waste glycols to a superior level of purity allowing our customers to utilize recycled glycols as a more sustainable resource. GlyEco Technology™ gives our customers a way to reduce waste while caring for the environment at no additional cost to them.

GlyEco Technology™ ensures consistently clean, uniform quality recycled glycols with independent lab testing to document results. Our recycled materials are proved to meet or exceed ASTM (www.astm.org) purity standards.

Glycols are a liquid petrochemical produced in massive quantities and used primarily in five industries: HVAC, Textiles, Automotive, Airline and Medical. In the United States, these industries create approximately 700 million gallons of hazardous waste glycol each year. Although most of this waste could be recycled into useable products, over 85% of this liquid waste is disposed of in our surface waters -- which can have devastating results for aquatic life.

World-wide consumption for refinery produced ethylene glycol is over 5 billion gallons per year, with growth expected to exceed 350 million gallons every year for the next decade (Source: ICIS Chemical News). Demand in China exceeds supply and currently tops 2.1 billion gallons each year. The United States consumes over 700 million gallons of ethylene glycol each year. The man-made liquid chemicals are derived from crude oil and natural gas and produced from unrenewable and limited natural resources. As a base chemical, they are produced in massive quantities and used in many industrial applications.

Demand continues to exceed supply for ethylene glycol, largely because of explosive growth in poly fiber manufacturing to make clothing, plastic containers and plastic beverage bottles. This growth trend is expected to continue well into the future.

Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains statements that may constitute "forward-looking statements" under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements regard the intent, belief, and expectations of the Company. Prospective investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, they involve risks and uncertainties, and their results may differ materially.

CONTACT:
Investor Relations
ir@glyeco.com
Denise Pallozzi
858-925-3737

Newest BeginAgain Toys Return to the Earth

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:00:00 +0000

Newest BeginAgain Toys Return to the Earth

-- Eco-Innovator launches 100% compostable playthings

PR Newswire

FORT COLLINS, Colo., Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- When your baby outgrows her GreenRing toy from BeginAgain, it may end up in a landfill. Even if it does, the toy will soon disappear.

Unlike traditional plastic playthings, BeginAgain's newest eco-toys are 100% compostable. Designed in collaboration with Green Dot Holdings LLC, the toys are made from plants -- a corn starch bio-resin and wood. They decompose and nourish the Earth when children no longer need them. BeginAgain's 2012 products will launch next week at the American International Toy Fair (Javits #5643) in New York.

"This corn starch bio-resin is the most innovative eco-material we've ever had our hands on -- it's the new rubber," says Chris Clemmer of BeginAgain. "It's safe, soft and can be naturally scented. It's even dishwasher safe, yet transforms into compost at the end of its useful life. We also love that Green Dot's bio-resins are made in the USA."

Perfect for teething and building skills, BeginAgain's new GreenRing is made from a 3-inch loop of smooth beech wood encircled by soft, corn starch bio-resin with natural, green apple scent. The dual material design offers tactile play and develops fine motor skills. Available in three colors, the outer ring can be removed and sanitized in the dishwasher (top rack). Recommended for babies 6 months and older, the GreenRing will retail for $10.

Another result of the BeginAgain/Green Dot collaboration, Scented Scoops is an ice cream party playset that smells good enough to eat. The 6"x9" beech wood serving tray holds six, three-inch beech wood "cones." Each cone can be topped with one or more of the six, deliciously scented two-inch "scoops" made from corn starch bio-resin (two vanilla, two chocolate and two mint). Great for role-play, Scented Scoops is recommended for ages 4+ and will retail for $30. Scented Scoops Singles -- one cone and a scoop -- will be sold separately for $5 each.

"We are extremely excited to partner with BeginAgain for the launch of our corn starch bio-resin, GDH-B1, to the children's market," says Mark Remmert, CEO of Green Dot Holdings LLC. "They understand that quality products can be made and disposed of with a lower impact to the environment -- right here in the United States."

Green Dot GDH-B1 was developed by Kansas-based Green Dot Holdings LLC and is made into toys by BeginAgain in Illinois. It molds at a lower temperature than traditional plastic, using much less energy for manufacturing. Products made with Green Dot GDH-B1 degrade within several months in an industrial composting facility and produce no toxic residues.

New BeginAgain Pop-Up Playbook & Puzzles

The first Pop-Up Playbook in BeginAgain's new series is called "A Day on the Farm." This natural rubber playset springs to life as the beech wood sides of the Playbook are opened. To clean up, kids gather the animals, place the farm in the book, squeeze it closed and snap it shut. The set includes a Playbook (two boards hinged with natural cotton), a soft Pop-Up playscape and six farm animals made from natural rubber. The Pop-Up Playbook will retail for $30 and is recommended for ages 4 and up.

Also new from BeginAgain for 2012 are updated ImagiPLAY animal puzzles and yo-yos made from sustainably harvested rubberwood. The new designs have a fresh, whimsical look and are colored with non-toxic, water-based stains that show off the wood's natural beauty.

"Using recycled plastic is a great first step, but we have to do more to reduce our impact on the Earth," says David Bowen of BeginAgain. "We must fundamentally change the way we make and consume products. Renewable, plant-based materials like bio-resins, sustainably harvested wood, natural rubber and cotton are a big part of the solution."

BeginAgain's new toys will be available in fall 2012 at specialty stores across North America. For more information, visit the BeginAgain workshop at www.beginagaintoys.com.

About BeginAgain

Created by toymakers David Bowen and Chris Clemmer -- two of the co-founders of Sprig Toys -- BeginAgain is focused on thoughtful product design and imaginative storytelling for today's kids. It is our goal to inspire children with stories of invention, adventure, and good old-fashioned fun. BeginAgain toys teach through play and nurture the development of the whole child. The company is based in Fort Collins, Colorado. Explore the BeginAgain workshop online at www.beginagaintoys.com.

About Green Dot Holdings LLC

Green Dot aspires to improve the environment in which we live by building a more sustainable world through renewable bio-based resins and promoting their use through invention, creation and research. Visit us at www.greendotpure.com.

SOURCE BeginAgain

Elsevier and Informex Global Launch Elsevier Tech Talks at Informex 2012

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:00:00 +0000

New Technical Conference Highlights Cutting-Edge Research in the Chemicals Industry

Elsevier (NYSE: ENL), the world's leading provider of scientific, technical and medical information products and services, and Informex Global, the leading meeting place for buyers and sellers of high-value chemistry, today announced the introduction of a new feature to the Informex 2012 line-up. Elsevier Tech Talks -- a speaker series serving as an expansion to the existing educational offerings from Informex. Elsevier Tech Talks offers two no cost, full-day programs at Informex 2012, New Orleans February 14-17, 2012, where distinguished researchers will give 30-40 minute presentations on recent research that is applicable to the specialty and fine chemical community. Speakers include executives from top-level companies including DSM, Sherwin-Williams, Kodak Specialty Chemicals, WeylChem and SAFC. The full schedule and location for the Elsevier Tech Talks can be found at: www.informex.com/elsevier-tech-talks.

The Elsevier Tech Talks presentations are unique due to an exclusive technology and research focus. Invited speakers are given open reign when choosing the process or technology they will highlight, as long as the information is applicable to their colleagues at Informex. Another differentiating factor of the Tech Talks presentation is the removal of any promotional content as the driving force of the presentations is to encourage information and technology transfer amongst colleagues in the chemical and pharma industries. Throughout the two days of presentations, visitors will be able to gain information on a variety of topics including sustainability, synthesis, fluorination, compound manufacture and more.

"We could not think of a better venue to premiere Elsevier Tech Talks than Informex, and we are excited to see how it is received," said Shandon Quinn, Director of Market Development for Elsevier's chemical business. "We wanted to offer a different approach to the classic conference session. As such, all presentations in the series have a technology and chemistry focus that delivers a unique R&D dimension to the show."

Caitlin Devlin, Marketing Manager at Informex, agreed that, "The Tech Talks offer guests at Informex a unique format to learn about new technologies and research processes that they may not previously have had access to. The series is comprehensive and supports the idea that success in this market comes from continually learning, growing and partnering for the future. We are pleased to introduce the series as part of the Informex 2012 line-up."

In addition to hosting the Tech Talks at Informex 2012, Elsevier will also be onsite as an exhibitor at booth #846 where they will offer insight into information tools for the fine and specialty chemical and pharma industries, highlighting two key products, Reaxys® and SciVerse ScienceDirect. Reaxys enables the discovery of new compounds and optimal reaction pathways using deeply excerpted chemistry information from leading chemistry journals and relevant patent classes, while SciVerse ScienceDirect offers chemists and chemical engineers full-text, peer-reviewed book and journal content.

To learn more about the Elsevier Tech Talks presentations and scheduling details, please,visit www.informex.com/elsevier-tech-talks and follow @ElsevierChem on Twitter during the show.

To learn more about Elsevier's information tools for the fine and specialty chemical industries, visit www.ElsevierChem.com and ElsevierPharma.com.

To learn more about Informex, please visit: http://www.informex.com.

About Elsevier

Elsevier is a world-leading publisher of scientific, technical and medical information products and services. The company works in partnership with the global science and health communities to publish more than 2,000 journals, including The Lancet (www.thelancet.com) and Cell (www.cell.com), and close to 20,000 book titles, including major reference works from Mosby and Saunders. Elsevier's online solutions include ScienceDirect (www.sciencedirect.com), Scopus (www.scopus.com), Reaxys (www.reaxys.com), MD Consult (www.mdconsult.com) and Nursing Consult (www.nursingconsult.com), which enhance the productivity of science and health professionals, and the SciVal suite (www.scival.com) and MEDai's Pinpoint Review (www.medai.com), which help research and health care institutions deliver better outcomes more cost-effectively.

A global business headquartered in Amsterdam, Elsevier (www.elsevier.com) employs 7,000 people worldwide. The company is part of Reed Elsevier Group PLC (www.reedelsevier.com), a world-leading publisher and information provider, which is jointly owned by Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV. The ticker symbols are REN (Euronext Amsterdam), REL (London Stock Exchange), RUK and ENL (New York Stock Exchange).

About Informex
Organized by UBM Live, Informex is the leading meeting place for buyers and sellers of high-value chemistry for a broad range of applications. As the premier, must-attend, event for the chemical industry for the past 27 years, Informex is a marketplace for networking and doing business in the fine, custom and specialty chemical manufacturing industry. The show traces its origin to a group of members from the Society of Chemical Manufacturers and Associates (SOCMA) who were looking for an annual place to meet and do business. Each year the event brings together an international mix of more than 4,000 fine and specialty chemicals professionals and 500 exhibitors for the all encompassing, 4 day event.

Science Buddies and Astellas USA Foundation Announce Chemistry Contest to Inspire Young Female Scientists

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Science Buddies and Astellas USA Foundation Announce Chemistry Contest to Inspire Young Female Scientists

PR Newswire

CARMEL, Calif. and DEERFIELD, Ill., Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Science Buddies and Astellas USA Foundation ("Foundation") announced initiation of the Science Buddies-Astellas Rosalind Franklin Chemistry Contest. The contest, open to U. S. students in grades 6-12, will recognize top chemistry projects being conducted by middle and high school students—the scientists of tomorrow.

"For the Foundation, science is not only the core of our business, it's our passion. We are dedicated to playing an active role in science education, and the Science Buddies—Astellas Rosalind Franklin Chemistry Contest builds on that commitment," said Collette Taylor, president of the Astellas USA Foundation. "The future of scientific innovation in health and medicine resides in our youth, and we have very high expectations for the contest entries, which will no doubt be met."

Celebrating Discovery

While the contest is open to male and female students, the companies selected Rosalind Elsie Franklin as a figurehead for the contest to support their joint interest in encouraging young female scientists to pursue career paths in chemistry and to increase public awareness of an important female scientist. Franklin's research using x-ray diffraction helped lead to the identification of the structure of DNA.

"When you look back at the last century of science history, one of the biggest discoveries was that DNA has a double helix shape. This discovery, which opened up the fields of biochemistry and genetics, relied on the immaculate data collected by a scientist named Rosalind Franklin," notes Sandra Slutz, Lead Staff Scientist at Science Buddies. "Unfortunately, in the 1950's, female scientists had a hard work environment to deal with, and Franklin didn't receive the credit due her. We've selected Rosalind Franklin as a figurehead for our chemistry contest not only because she was integral to one of the most important modern scientific discoveries, but as a reminder that if science doesn't embrace everyone's right to explore and participate, we're sure to miss some brilliant discoveries!"

Open to U.S. Middle and High School Students

The 2012 Rosalind Franklin Chemistry Contest is open to both female and male U.S. students in grades 6-12. Students can enter either an original science project in the field of chemistry or a project based on a Science Buddies Chemistry Project Idea. The student submissions will be judged on creativity, scientific thought, thoroughness, skill, and clarity of presentation.

"I'm excited to see what the students are going to submit for their chemistry projects," says Slutz, noting that while chemistry is one of the oldest branches of scientific enquiry, it is full of potential for student observation and exploration.

"There are so many possibilities for student chemistry projects ranging from things that may help save our environment, like new fuels and biodegradable packaging, to fun products like silly putty, perfume, and makeup," adds Slutz. "Hopefully each student will walk away with a better understanding of how chemistry and the products it enables shape our everyday lives."

Among other requirements, students must complete a project display board describing their project. Documentation of the display board must be submitted with the entry. Contest rules and regulations are based on the official rules of the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). Complete details are available at the Science Buddies web site: http://bit.ly/ScienceBuddiesAstellasContest.

Winners to Receive Cash Prizes

Cash prizes will be awarded to the top students in grades 9-12 and in grades 6-8. Both a male and female winner will be selected in each grade range. To be considered, entries must be submitted on or before 7PM Pacific Standard Time (PST), April 1, 2012. Science Buddies and Astellas will announce the winners in May of 2012. For additional information about prizes and judging, please visit http://bit.ly/ScienceBuddiesAstellasContest.

About Science Buddies

Science Buddies, a 501c3 public charity, is the leading award-winning non-profit science fair "how-to" resource for K-12 students, teachers, and parents. With scientist-authored educational content covering 30 fields of science and engineering and a website created and run by scientists and engineers, Science Buddies supports serious scientific inquiry by providing tools for project selection, as well as step-by-step instruction and support from scientists and experts on setting up, managing, and monitoring a project and recording the results. Science Buddies helps students learn more, get support, save time and get inspired. For more information about Science Buddies, visit http://www.sciencebuddies.org

About Astellas USA Foundation

The Astellas USA Foundation is a private Foundation that awards cash grants to support philanthropic initiatives that are aligned with Astellas' business strategy. Astellas Pharma Inc., located in Tokyo, Japan, is a pharmaceutical company dedicated to improving the health of people around the world through the provision of innovative and reliable pharmaceuticals. For more information about Astellas USA Foundation, please visit the foundation's website at http://www.astellasusafoundation.org.

SOURCE Astellas USA Foundation

Quaker Chemical Management Services Achieve Maximum Value for Customers

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Quaker Chemical Management Services Achieve Maximum Value for Customers

Switching cleaners reduces customer's total chemical spend and increases usage efficiency

PR Newswire

CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa., Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Quaker Chemical (NYSE:KWR) – a global leader in metalworking process fluids – has extensive experience with helping manufacturers around the world respond to the challenges of accomplishing more with fewer resources, remaining competitive, staying compliant, and maintaining a high standard for health, safety and the environment. Quaker delivers this support with Quaker Chemical Management Services (QCMSsm), a comprehensive management approach to help manufacturers achieve maximum value by effectively using chemical products.

After Quaker was chosen as the preferred Chemical Management Services provider for a major U.S. power train manufacturer, the company worked with the customer to reduce cleaner product usage and operating costs for their 12,000 gallon central washer system. The central washer system fed all in-process washers and final washers used to clean all 319 aluminum alloy heads found in a 3.7L engine. Through increased efficiency and competitive pricing, Quaker helped the customer reduce their total chemical spend by 43%.

Drawing upon years of knowledge and industry best practices, Quaker's QCMS group converted the central washer system over to QUAKERCLEAN® 624 CP, a dual-purpose product that acts as a mild alkaline cleaner and leaves a protective corrosion preventive film. Product selection was based on the premises that any product chosen had to comply with strict environmental chemical restrictions and meet all performance expectations. "The decision to recommend QUAKERCLEAN® 624 CP was based on proven field performance in high pressure spray applications involving aluminum," states Jolaine Lisinski a Process Support Engineer at Quaker Chemical. "This made it a low risk and high success probability selection." In addition, QUAKERCLEAN® 624 CP does not contain any strong acids, strong alkalis, nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPE), solvents, ozone-depleting compounds, silicates, phosphates or chelating agents. And, it has zero Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) at the recommended concentration and temperature.

This documented case study is just one example of how Quaker Chemical partners with customers to improve their efficiencies and lower fluid-related costs. For more information on Quaker Chemical and its full product line offerings including Chemical Management Services, please visit quakerchem.com.

Quaker Chemical Corporation is a leading global provider of process chemicals, chemical specialties, services, and technical expertise to a wide range of industries – including steel, aluminum, automotive, mining, aerospace, tube and pipe, coatings and construction materials. Quaker's products, technical solutions, and chemical management services enhance customers' processes, improve product quality, and lower costs. Quaker's headquarters is located near Philadelphia in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania.

SOURCE Quaker Chemical