ARCH CHEMICALS

Arch Chemicals, Inc., is a global specialty chemical company based in Norwalk, Connecticut, involved in two main business segments: treatment products and performance products. Treatment products include chemicals to sanitize drinking water and swimming pools; industrial biocides, used to inhibit the growth of microorganisms in metal working fluids, paint, and other coatings; industrial wood preservatives and fire retardants; stains and lacquers to coat wood; and active ingredients and preservat... ives used in shampoos, cosmetics, and other personal care products. Arch's performance products include polyols used to make adhesives, sealants, and coatings; glycols for making antifreeze, cleaning products, and consumer goods; and hydrazine hydrate, used to make drugs, treat water, and blowing agents that strengthen plastics and rubbers by expanding them. In 2004 Arch sold off most of its microelectronic materials business segment, which provided slurry used by semiconductor manufacturers to remove and polish surfaces. In addition to 16 U.S. locations, Arch maintains operations in 20 other countries around the world. A spinoff of the Olin Corporation in 1999, Arch is a public company listed on the New York Stock Exchange. More