Source: Daily "The Nation", Bangkok; 14 Aug 2007

Using Lignin from shrubby willow Auckland—Genesis Research and Development Corp. of New Zealand said its Bio-Joule subsidiary has successfully produced polyurethane foam using natural lignin extracted from shrubby willow.

MEXICO CITY - Michelin North America Inc. plans to build a USD740 million passenger car and light truck tire plant in central Mexico to make Michelin-brand tires beginning in 2010.

HOUSTON: The International Institute of Synthetic Rubber Producers has published and is selling its 2007 edition of the Worldwide Rubber Statistics.

FULLERTON, California - Yokohama Tire Corp. is launching a broadcast and print ad campaign highlighting its products and environmental stance.

LIONVILLE, PA: Medical components manufacturer West Pharmaceutical Services Inc. board of directors has approved a share repurchase program of up to 1 million shares of its common stock, the company said.

NISKAYUNA, New York: Tire Conversion Technologies of Niskayuna has inked a $1.3 million contract to provide a Texas home builder with patio pavers made from recycled tire rubber.

Malaysia's rubber output is expected to improve slightly from last year as prices rise, a senior government official said, local media reported on Friday.

Houston, Texas: Kraton LLC, a leading global engineered polymer company, announces its financial results for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2007.

UNION, New Jersey: Foreign Tire Sales Inc. on Aug. 9 began its recall of 255,000 Chinese-made radial tires that it imported into the U.S., nearly half the number originally anticipated.