ALMELO, THE NETHERLANDS--(Marketwire - Mar 14, 2013) - TenCate and BASF have welcomed Owens Corning as partner in their strategic alliance for thermoplastic automotive composites. Owens Corning is a leading global producer of glass fiber reinforcements for composite systems. The goal of the alliance is to develop optimal solutions in thermoplastic composites for automotive mass production.

In this strategic alliance Owens Corning brings the technology to develop superior and tailor made fabrics and glass reinforcement solutions, where BASF contributes comprehensive knowledge in the production and formulation of thermoplastic resins, and TenCate Advanced Composites brings its expertise in composites manufacturing.

Global emission standards for vehicles continue to increase the need for lighter vehicles that maintain strength and durability. Compared to metal parts, fiber reinforced plastic composites can be 30 to 50% lighter. Thermoplastic composites help increase fuel efficiency in automobiles and reduce costs for consumers. Thermoplastic processing also dramatically reduces production cycle times. Additionally, these products have no limitations in shelf life and can be recycled.

Royal Ten Cate

Almelo, the Netherlands, Thursday, 14 March 2013

Owens Corning is a leading global producer of residential and commercial building materials, glass-fiber reinforcements and engineered materials for composite systems. A Fortune® 500 Company for 58 consecutive years, Owens Corning is committed to driving sustainability by delivering solutions, transforming markets and enhancing lives. Celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2013, Owens Corning is a market-leading innovator of glass-fiber technology with sales of $5.2 billion in 2012 and approximately 15,000 employees in 27 countries on five continents. Additional information on Owens Corning is available at [ www.owenscorning.com ].

BASF is the world's leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics, performance products and crop protection products to oil and gas. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Through science and innovation, we enable our customers in nearly every industry to meet the current and future needs of society. Our products and solutions contribute to conserving resources, ensuring nutrition and improving quality of life. We have summed up this contribution in our corporate purpose: We create chemistry for a sustainable future. BASF posted sales of EUR78.7 billion in 2012 and had more than 113,000 employees as of the end of the year. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (AN). Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at [ www.basf.com ]

TenCate Advanced Composites is a leader in the development and production of thermoplastic and thermoset prepreg composites for various industries. Its product portfolio is incorporated into automotive products, medical equipment and numerous other applications. TenCate Advanced Composites has production facilities and operations in North America, Europe and Asia. More information at [ www.tencateadvancedcomposites.com ].

Royal Ten Cate (TenCate) is a multinational company that combines textile technology with related chemical processes and material technology in the development and production of functional materials with distinctive characteristics. TenCate products are sold worldwide. Systems and materials from TenCate come under four areas of application: safety & protection, space & aerospace, infrastructure & the environment, and sport & recreation. TenCate occupies leading positions in protective fabrics, composites for space and aerospace, anti-ballistics, geosynthetics and synthetic turf. TenCate is listed on the NYSE Euronext (AMX).

Press release as PDF:

[ http://hugin.info/130798/R/1685413/552141.pdf ]

This announcement is distributed by Thomson Reuters on behalf of Thomson Reuters clients. The owner of this announcement warrants that:

(i) the releases contained herein are protected by copyright and other applicable laws; and

(ii) they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein.

Source: Koninklijke Ten Cate NV via Thomson Reuters ONE

[HUG#1685413]