DUBLIN, Ohio -- The Electronic Chemicals Division of Ashland Specialty Chemical Company, a wholly owned-division of Ashland Inc., will commence direct distribution of its ACT(R) photoresist
stripper products in Singapore on October 1. The operations will be conducted through Drew Ameroid (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ashland International Holdings, B.V. Nigel Leow has been named business manager for the operations.

The Electronic Chemicals Division has been serving the local semiconductor market by providing products and services through a distributor. That arrangement is ending effective Oct. 1.

Marcello Boldrini, Asia business director for the Electronic Chemicals Division, said, "This action and investment to establish a local presence demonstrates Ashland's strong commitment to providing the support our customers need. We look forward to serving the microelectronics industry in Singapore with our comprehensive line products and services, backed by
Ashland's efficient and reliable customer service."

Ashland Specialty Chemical Company's Electronic Chemicals Division is a leading global supplier of ultrapure chemicals, photoresist strippers and on-site chemical management and parts cleaning services to the worldwide microelectronics industry. The Electronic Chemicals Division operates an ISO
9001-certified production facility at Easton, Pa.; and ISO 9002-certified production facilities in Pueblo, Colo.; Dallas; Milan, Italy; and Pyongtaek City, Korea. It also participates in a joint venture, Ashland Union Electronic Chemical Corp. (AUECC), serving Taiwan and the region.

Ashland Specialty Chemical Company, a division of Ashland Inc., is a leading, worldwide supplier of specialty chemicals serving industries including adhesives, automotive, composites, foundry, merchant marine, paint, paper, plastics, and semiconductor.