Grace Signs Memorandum of Understanding for Catalyst Investment in Qingdao, China

Tuesday May 22nd 2012 09:00:00 AM

COLUMBIA, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May. 22, 2012-- W. R. Grace & Co. (NYSE: GRA) announced today that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Qingdao Bureau of Commerce for an investment in China to manufacture fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) catalysts and other related products for the petroleum refining industry. In order to complete the investments, Grace has established a Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise (WFOE) in Qingdao.

"This is an important step towards expanding Grace's FCC catalyst manufacturing capabilities to serve our customers in China and other countries in the fast-growing Asia Pacific region," said Shawn Abrams, President of Grace Catalysts Technologies. "We look forward to successful cooperation with the government of Qingdao."

"Today we signed a MOU with Grace, which is a landmark of its investment and development in Qingdao," said Mr. Chunyu Xianli, Deputy Director-General of Qingdao Bureau of Commerce. "I believe that the good location, industrial layout and human resources will provide Grace with sound supports to its development in China and Asia Pacific region. Qingdao Municipal Government, Qingdao Bureau of Commerce and West Bank Economic Zone will offer the best services and supports to its establishment. The rapid and sound development of Grace in Qingdao will play an important role in promoting the petro and chemical industry in the city. We are looking forward to the further enhancement of our cooperation with Grace."

Grace founded Grace China Ltd. in 1986 as the first Wholly Foreign-Owned Company to do business in the People's Republic of China-through its can sealants plant in Shanghai. Currently, Grace operates 5 manufacturing facilities, 3 sales offices, and 2 technical service centers in mainland China, including its Asia Pacific regional headquarters in Shanghai.

About Grace

Grace is a leading global supplier of catalysts; engineered and packaging materials; and, specialty construction chemicals and building materials. The company's three industry-leading business segments-Grace Catalysts Technologies, Grace Materials Technologies and Grace Construction Products-provide innovative products, technologies and services that enhance the quality of life. Grace employs approximately 6,000 people in over 40 countries and had 2011 net sales of $3.2 billion. More information about Grace is available at http://www.grace.com.

This announcement contains forward-looking statements, that is, information related to future, not past, events. Such statements generally include the words "believes," "plans," "intends," "targets," "will," "expects," "suggests," "anticipates," "outlook," "continues" or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, all statements regarding Grace's Chapter 11 case; expected financial positions; results of operations; cash flows; financing plans; business strategy; budgets; capital and other expenditures; competitive positions; growth opportunities for existing products; benefits from new technology and cost reduction initiatives, plans and objectives; and markets for securities. For these statements, Grace claims the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Like other businesses, Grace is subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause its actual results to differ materially from its projections or that could cause other forward-looking statements to prove incorrect. Factors that could cause actual results to materially differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements include, without limitation: developments affecting Grace's bankruptcy, proposed plan of reorganization and settlements with certain creditors, the cost and availability of raw materials (including rare earth) and energy, developments affecting Grace's underfunded and unfunded pension obligations, risks related to foreign operations, especially in emerging regions, acquisitions and divestitures of assets and gains and losses from dispositions or impairments, the effectiveness of its research and development and growth investments, its legal and environmental proceedings, costs of compliance with environmental regulation and those factors set forth in Grace's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, quarterly report on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K, which have been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and are readily available on the Internet at www.sec.gov. Reported results should not be considered as an indication of future performance. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on Grace's projections and forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date thereof. Grace undertakes no obligation to publicly release any revision to the projections and forward-looking statements contained in this announcement, or to update them to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this announcement.

Source: W. R. Grace & Co.

W. R. Grace & Co.
Media Relations
Greg Euston, +1 404-775-0285
greg@mcgraweuston.com
or
Investor Relations
Mark Sutherland, +1 410-531-4590
mark.sutherland@grace.com

Grace Receives Awards for Energy Efficiency, Safety and Product Stewardship Improvements

Tuesday May 8th 2012 09:01:00 AM

COLUMBIA, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May. 8, 2012-- W. R. Grace & Co. (NYSE: GRA) has received Responsible Care^® Energy Efficiency Awards, Facility Safety Certificates and a Performance Award from the American Chemistry Council (ACC) for implementing energy efficiency improvements and achieving certain safety and product stewardship milestones.

Individual ACC member companies nominated specific energy efficiency projects and safety milestone achievements for recognition. Winners were selected by members of the judging committee, and were recognized at the 2012 Responsible Care^® Conference and Expo in Hollywood, Florida on April 30.

The Responsible Care^® Energy Efficiency Awards Program is among ACC’s many ongoing initiatives to improve energy efficiency in the chemical industry. In 2011, the total annual energy savings achieved by all of the projects that won ACC awards was 16.9 trillion BTUs—enough to power all the homes in a city the size of Norfolk, Virginia for one year (95,000 housing units, according to the U.S. Census Bureau).

The Energy Efficiency Program Award is given to companies with broad programs to achieve energy-efficiency improvements, with components such as establishing energy teams, goal setting, communications, management support and recognition. Grace’s Alumina manufacturing plant in Lake Charles, Louisiana received an Energy Efficiency Program Award for reducing its steam and natural gas usage by 80% and 15%, respectively, from 2010 to 2011.

The Environmental Impact Award is given for initiatives with substantial environmental benefits, including reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, in addition to improvements in energy efficiency. Grace’s Lake Charles facility won an Environmental Impact Award for reducing the volume of waste water requiring treatment by 25% from 2010 to 2011.

The Non-Manufacturing Improvement Award is given for improvements resulting from energy-efficient lighting, insulation and other building improvements, and other non-manufacturing energy improvements. Grace’s global headquarters in Columbia, Maryland won a Non-Manufacturing Improvement Award for reducing its electricity and natural gas usage by 12% and 7%, respectively, from 2010 to 2011.

These changes reduced the company’s annualized emissions of carbon dioxide by 8,594 short tons.

A total of 13 Grace locations received Facility Safety Certificates. Facilities in Cambridge, Massachusetts; Chattanooga and Mt. Pleasant, Tennessee; Chicago 51^st Street and 65^th Street, Illinois; Columbia, Maryland; East Chicago, Indiana; Edison, New Jersey; Hesperia, California; and Houston, Texas received Certificates of Excellence for having operated without fatalities, days away from work, safety-related job transfers or restricted work among both employees and contractors in 2011.

Grace’s facility in Chicago 71^st Street, Illinois, received a Certificate of Honor for having operated without fatalities, days away from work or safety-related restricted work in 2011.

Grace’s facilities in Curtis Bay (Baltimore), Maryland and Deerfield, Illinois received Certificates of Achievement for having operated without fatalities or days away from work in 2011.

For the first time, Grace also received the Responsible Care^® Performance Award, which recognizes member companies who excelled at helping ACC meet industry-wide safety and product stewardship targets. The award recognized the company’s improvements in recordable and lost time incident rates; having operated without fatalities; and, improvement in the number of product stewardship summaries that are publicly available.

“We lead with safety, everyday,” said Karen Ethier, Grace’s Vice President of Global Environment, Health and Safety. “Being recognized in the industry for our environment, health, safety and energy improvement performance is great recognition for the Grace teams that focus on these issues every day.”

Grace received Responsible Care^® Energy Efficiency Awards from the American Chemistry Council in 2009, 2010 and 2011, as well as Facility Safety Certificates in 2010 and 2011.

About Grace

Grace is a leading global supplier of catalysts; engineered and packaging materials; and, specialty construction chemicals and building materials. The company’s three industry-leading business segments—Grace Catalysts Technologies, Grace Materials Technologies and Grace Construction Products—provide innovative products, technologies and services that enhance the quality of life. Grace employs approximately 6,000 people in over 40 countries and had 2011 net sales of $3.2 billion. More information about Grace is available at www.grace.com.

About the American Chemistry Council

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. More information about ACC is available at www.americanchemistry.com.

Source: W. R. Grace & Co.

W. R. Grace & Co.
Media Relations
Greg Euston, +1 404-775-0285
greg@mcgraweuston.com
or
Investor Relations
Mark Sutherland, +1 410-531-4590
mark.sutherland@grace.com

Grace Reports First Quarter 2012 Adjusted EPS of $0.88

Wednesday April 25th 2012 06:07:34 AM

Grace and Formac Pharmaceuticals Announce Successful Clinical Trial Demonstrating the Novel Use of Silica for Drug Delivery

Monday April 23rd 2012 09:02:47 AM

COLUMBIA, Md., Apr 23, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) --W. R. Grace & Co. (NYSE: GRA), in partnership with Formac Pharmaceuticals NV, a research and development pharmaceutical company, announced today positive data from initial human studies enabled by the companies' unique mesoporous silica-based drug delivery technology. This novel technology opens up a viable new avenue for the development of poorly soluble compounds.

This was the first-ever clinical study to demonstrate the bioavailability enhancing properties of silica in humans. Improved bioavailability enables active pharmaceutical ingredients (API's) to more effectively absorb into the body. In this study, the bioavailability profile of fenofibrate formulated with silica was compared to the marketed micronized formulation (Lipanthyl^(R)). The study results show a 54 percent higher bioavailability for the silica formulation than the marketed formulation.

The study confirmed the numerous promising findings obtained in preclinical models and exemplifies that the Grace and Formac Pharmaceuticals partnership can provide a fully integrated, cost effective and innovative solution, from early phases to commercial production, for the development of poorly soluble compounds.

"We are excited about the study results proving the effectiveness of the silica-based drug delivery technology in humans," said George Young, Vice President of New Business Development at Grace. "The successful completion of this study marks an important milestone for our strategic partnership with Formac as we embark on the development and commercialization of this novel approach for improved drug delivery."

Grace and Formac partnered in 2011 to optimize and commercialize the silica based technology that Formac created. Grace is leveraging its silica R&D and manufacturing expertise to develop a portfolio of silicas that can give pharmaceutical companies an optimized and tailored drug delivery solution for their drug.

For more information, please visit www.SilicaDrugDelivery.com.

About Grace

Grace is a leading global supplier of catalysts; engineered and packaging materials; and, specialty construction chemicals and building materials. The company's three industry-leading business segments--Grace Catalysts Technologies, Grace Materials Technologies and Grace Construction Products--provide innovative products, technologies and services that enhance the quality of life. Grace employs approximately 6,000 people in over 40 countries and had 2011 net sales of $3.2 billion. More information about Grace is available at www.grace.com.

About Formac

Formac Pharmaceuticals serves the pharmaceutical industry with a powerful, innovative tool to improve the oral bioavailability of poorly soluble active pharmaceutical ingredients (API's). Using its tailor-made mesoporous silica materials, Formac has created an innovative solution for bioavailability enhancement that relies on the generation of intestinal supersaturation. Formac's formulation platform provides solid dosage forms with excellent physical and chemical stability and is easily implementable and upscalable in established manufacturing units. More information about Formac is available at www.formacpharma.com.

SOURCE: W. R. Grace & Co.

W. R. Grace & Co.
Media Relations
Greg Euston, +1 404-775-0285
greg@mcgraweuston.com
or
Investor Relations
Mark Sutherland, +1 410-531-4590
mark.sutherland@grace.com

Grace and Dow to Develop Next-Generation Catalysts for Polypropylene Production

Thursday March 29th 2012 09:00:23 AM

COLUMBIA, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mar. 29, 2012-- W. R. Grace & Co. (NYSE: GRA) announced today that it has entered into an agreement with The Dow Chemical Company (NYSE: DOW) to develop new catalysts for polypropylene production. The catalysts, which use one of Dow’s non-phthalate internal donor technologies and Grace proprietary catalyst expertise, will be sold by Grace under the HYAMPP™ brand.

HYAMPP™ catalysts are non-phthalate catalysts with industry-leading activity and performance benefits, and represent sixth-generation technology. They enable producers to make resins that improve the performance of plastics, including better clarity, stiffness and impact strength, providing a pathway to new applications requiring more demanding properties that cannot be met by current generation catalysts. Customers can use the resins in a broad range of applications such as films, high-performance pipe, automobile parts, household appliances and household containers. Grace expects to begin commercial production of the new catalysts in 2012.

“We are continuously looking for ways to better meet the needs of our customers and the end-users of their products,” said Tony Dondero, Vice President and General Manager of Grace’s Specialty Catalysts & Process Technologies product line. “This technology enables our customers to produce new and advanced polypropylene products, including stronger, clearer resins with improved processability while also improving plant productivity.”

“Dow is continuously strengthening our ability to bring enhanced technology to the polypropylene market,” said Tracy Cleckler, Global Commercial Director for Dow Licensing and Catalysts. “This agreement broadens Dow’s reach in the polypropylene industry and aids manufacturers in their quest to meet increasing global demand for premium, value-added polypropylene products.”

Grace has been a leading producer and supplier of advanced polyolefin catalysts for more than 50 years. The development and commercialization of these new catalysts is one of many ways in which Grace has grown its polypropylene catalyst capabilities. In 2011, Grace completed the expansion of its manufacturing facility in Worms, Germany to increase production of Ziegler-Natta polypropylene catalysts. In 2010, Grace acquired Synthetech, Inc. for additional single-site and polypropylene catalyst manufacturing and technology capability.

About Dow

Dow (NYSE: DOW) combines the power of science and technology to passionately innovate what is essential to human progress. The Company connects chemistry and innovation with the principles of sustainability to help address many of the world’s most challenging problems such as the need for clean water, renewable energy generation and conservation, and increasing agricultural productivity. Dow’s diversified industry-leading portfolio of specialty chemical, advanced materials, agrosciences and plastics businesses delivers a broad range of technology-based products and solutions to customers in approximately 160 countries and in high growth sectors such as electronics, water, energy, coatings and agriculture. In 2011, Dow had annual sales of $60 billion and employed approximately 52,000 people worldwide. The Company’s more than 5,000 products are manufactured at 197 sites in 36 countries across the globe. References to “Dow” or the “Company” mean The Dow Chemical Company and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise expressly noted. More information about Dow can be found at www.dow.com.

About Grace

Grace is a leading global supplier of catalysts; engineered and packaging materials; and, specialty construction chemicals and building materials. The company’s three industry-leading business segments—Grace Catalysts Technologies, Grace Materials Technologies and Grace Construction Products—provide innovative products, technologies and services that enhance the quality of life. Grace employs approximately 6,000 people in over 40 countries and had 2011 net sales of $3.2 billion. More information about Grace is available at www.grace.com.

Source: W. R. Grace & Co.

W. R. Grace & Co.
Grace Media Relations
Greg Euston
T +1 404.775.0285
greg@mcgraweuston.com
or
Grace Investor Relations
Mark Sutherland
T +1 410.531.4590
mark.sutherland@grace.com
or
Dow Media Relations
Brian Hall, Gibbs & Soell
T +1 312.648.6700
bhall@gibbs-soell.com

Grace and Al Dahra Sign Memorandum of Understanding for FCC Catalysts and Additives Project in Abu Dhabi

Thursday March 22nd 2012 10:34:19 AM

COLUMBIA, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mar. 22, 2012-- W. R. Grace & Co. (NYSE: GRA) today announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding to form a joint venture with Al Dahra Agricultural Company to build and operate a fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) catalysts and additives plant in the Middle East. The joint venture is subject to the execution of definitive agreements and receipt of regulatory approvals.

The joint venture production plant would be located in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates and used to supply oil refiners in the high growth Middle East and South Asia markets. There are expected to be 16 FCC units built in these regions in the next five years, which would increase the catalyst opportunity in the region by approximately $150 million.

The plant in Abu Dhabi would be the first FCC catalysts and additives plant in the region, and is an important step for Grace to reinforce the reliable and timely distribution of FCC catalysts and additives to refineries in the region.

Grace, the world’s largest manufacturer of FCC catalysts and additives, expects that the growth in the region will be more than adequate for the capacity of the new plant by the time it is anticipated to come onstream in late 2015.

Shawn A. Abrams, President, Grace Catalysts Technologies, commented, “This joint venture will leverage our strengths in the FCC segment with the strong local relationships of Al Dahra and their expertise in logistics and infrastructure support. This investment will allow us to capture growth in the Middle East and Asia and optimize our capacity in other regions.”

H.E. Khadim Al Darei, Vice Chairman & MD, Al Dahra, commented, “Al Dahra is very pleased to partner with a leading technology supplier to the oil industry, bringing know how and expertise to the Emirates. This joint venture represents another milestone in the company’s strategy to diversify its service offering and reinforces the commitment of its leadership to ensure sustainable national economic growth.”

About Grace

Grace is a leading global supplier of catalysts; engineered and packaging materials; and, specialty construction chemicals and building materials. The company’s three industry-leading business segments—Grace Catalysts Technologies, Grace Materials Technologies and Grace Construction Products—provide innovative products, technologies and services that enhance the quality of life. Grace employs approximately 6,000 people in over 40 countries and had 2011 net sales of $3.2 billion. More information about Grace is available at www.grace.com.

Grace Catalysts Technologies is the global leader for FCC catalysts and additives, offering solutions-oriented approaches backed by a broad, highly differentiated portfolio and industry-leading technical service. Grace’s research leadership and flexible manufacturing system support value-added technology tailored to meet customers’ current and future needs.

About Al Dahra

Al Dahra is a leading company specializing in agriculture and animal production. With global operations, farms and production facilities in the Americas, Europe, Asia and Africa, it is considered as the premier supporter of the stable supply of high quality forage, fresh produce, dairy products and commodities to the local and regional market. Its unique value proposition coupled with specialization in logistics and supply chain further enhances its distinguished market position. For more information, visit Al Dahra’s website at www.aldahra.com.

This announcement contains forward-looking statements, that is, information related to future, not past, events. Such statements generally include the words “believes,” “plans,” “intends,” “targets,” “will,” “expects,” “suggests,” “anticipates,” “outlook,” “continues” or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, all statements regarding Grace’s Chapter 11 case; expected financial positions; results of operations; cash flows; financing plans; business strategy; budgets; capital and other expenditures; competitive positions; growth opportunities for existing products; benefits from new technology and cost reduction initiatives, plans and objectives; and markets for securities. For these statements, Grace claims the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Like other businesses, Grace is subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause its actual results to differ materially from its projections or that could cause other forward-looking statements to prove incorrect. Factors that could cause actual results to materially differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements include, without limitation: developments affecting Grace’s bankruptcy, proposed plan of reorganization and settlements with certain creditors, the cost and availability of raw materials (including rare earth) and energy, developments affecting Grace’s underfunded and unfunded pension obligations, risks related to foreign operations, especially in emerging regions, acquisitions and divestitures of assets and gains and losses from dispositions or impairments, the effectiveness of its research and development and growth investments, its legal and environmental proceedings, costs of compliance with environmental regulation and those factors set forth in Grace’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, quarterly report on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K, which have been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and are readily available on the Internet at www.sec.gov. Reported results should not be considered as an indication of future performance. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on Grace’s projections and forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date thereof. Grace undertakes no obligation to publicly release any revision to the projections and forward-looking statements contained in this announcement, or to update them to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this announcement

Source: W. R. Grace & Co.

W. R. Grace & Co.
Media Relations
Greg Euston, +1 404-775-0285
greg@mcgraweuston.com
or
Investor Relations
Mark Sutherland, +1 410-531-4590
mark.sutherland@grace.com

Grace Announces Release Date for First Quarter 2012 Results

Wednesday March 21st 2012 09:01:00 AM

COLUMBIA, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mar. 21, 2012-- W. R. Grace & Co. (NYSE: GRA) announced today that it will release its first quarter 2012 financial results at 6:00 a.m. EDT on Wednesday, April 25. A company-hosted conference call and webcast will follow at 11:00 a.m. EDT that day.

During the call, Fred Festa, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and Hudson La Force, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, will discuss the first quarter results. A question and answer session with analysts will follow the prepared remarks.

Access to the live webcast and the accompanying slides will be available through the Investor Information section of the company’s website, www.grace.com. Those without access to the Internet can participate by dialing +1 866.770.7051 (U.S.) or +1 617.213.8064 (International). The participant passcode is 91635057. Investors are advised to dial into the call at least 10 minutes early in order to register.

An audio replay will be available at 2:00 p.m. EDT on April 25. The replay will be accessible by dialing +1 888.286.8010 (U.S.) or +1 617.801.6888 (International) and entering the participant passcode 64388125. The replay will be available for one week.

About Grace

Grace is a leading global supplier of catalysts; engineered and packaging materials; and, specialty construction chemicals and building materials. The company’s three industry-leading business segments—Grace Catalysts Technologies, Grace Materials Technologies and Grace Construction Products—provide innovative products, technologies and services that enhance the quality of life. Grace employs approximately 6,000 people in over 40 countries and had 2011 net sales of $3.2 billion. More information about Grace is available at www.grace.com.

Source: W. R. Grace & Co.

W. R. Grace & Co.
Media Relations
Greg Euston
T +1 404.775.0285
greg@mcgraweuston.com
or
Investor Relations
Mark Sutherland
T +1 410.531.4590
mark.sutherland@grace.com

Grace Announces Availability of Annual Report and Form 10-K Filing

Wednesday March 14th 2012 09:00:41 AM

COLUMBIA, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mar. 14, 2012-- W. R. Grace & Co. (NYSE: GRA) announced today that its Annual Report and Form 10-K filing for the year ended December 31, 2011 are both available via download from the company’s corporate web site and by request from the Grace Investor Relations Department.

The 2011 Annual Report includes an open letter from Grace Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Fred Festa and spotlights the company’s accomplishments during the past year. The 2011 Form 10-K was filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on February 24, 2012 and includes audited financial statements and a management discussion and analysis of results. Both reports can be accessed via Grace’s web site, www.grace.com, under the Investor Information section.

Hardcopies of both documents can also be requested free of charge by mailing a written request to W. R. Grace & Co., Investor Relations, 7500 Grace Drive, Columbia, MD 21044, USA, or sending an email to investor.relations@grace.com.

About Grace

Grace is a leading global supplier of catalysts; engineered and packaging materials; and, specialty construction chemicals and building materials. The company’s three industry-leading business segments—Grace Catalysts Technologies, Grace Materials Technologies and Grace Construction Products—provide innovative products, technologies and services that enhance the quality of life. Grace employs approximately 6,000 people in over 40 countries and had 2011 net sales of $3.2 billion. More information about Grace is available at www.grace.com.

Source: W. R. Grace & Co.

W. R. Grace & Co.
Media Relations:
Greg Euston, +1 404-775-0285
greg@mcgraweuston.com
or
Investor Relations:
Mark Sutherland, +1 410-531-4590
mark.sutherland@grace.com

Grace Announces Business Segment Presidents and Elects New Officers

Wednesday February 8th 2012 07:00:59 AM

COLUMBIA, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 8, 2012-- W. R. Grace & Co. (NYSE: GRA) announced today a realignment of its business into three operating segments: Grace Catalysts Technologies, Grace Materials Technologies and Grace Construction Products.

Reporting to Grace’s President and Chief Operating Officer Gregory Poling will be:

Shawn Abrams, President of Grace Catalysts Technologies. Abrams most recently served as Vice President, Refining Technologies within the former Grace Davison operating segment. The new Grace Catalysts Technologies segment includes catalysts and related technologies used in refining, petrochemical and other chemical manufacturing applications. 2011 revenues for this segment were approximately $1.4 billion. Grace’s Advanced Refining Technologies joint venture is managed in this segment.

Joanne Green, President of Grace Materials Technologies. Green most recently served as Vice President, Discovery Sciences within the former Grace Davison operating segment. The new Grace Materials Technologies segment includes engineered materials, coatings and sealants used in consumer, industrial, packaging and pharmaceutical applications. 2011 revenues for this segment were approximately $800 million.

Andrew Bonham, President of Grace Construction Products. Bonham continues in his current role. Grace Construction Products includes specialty construction chemicals and specialty building materials used in commercial, infrastructure and residential construction. 2011 revenues for this segment were approximately $1.0 billion.

“This new business segment structure allows us to align our segments more closely with our markets and to pursue operational efficiencies and reduce overhead costs,” said Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Fred Festa. “We are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead, and are as committed as ever to supporting and anticipating the needs of our customers.”

Grace will report its financial results using the new operating structure beginning in 2012.

Also, the Grace Board of Directors elected Bill Dockman and Elyse Filon officers of the corporation.

Bill Dockman, Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer, has served as a Vice President and in other senior finance and accounting roles at Grace for more than ten years.

Elyse Filon, Vice President and Treasurer, has served as a Vice President and in other senior tax and treasury roles at Grace for more than ten years.

About Grace

Grace is a leading global supplier of catalysts; engineered and packaging materials; and, specialty construction chemicals and building materials. The company’s three industry-leading business segments—Grace Catalysts Technologies, Grace Materials Technologies and Grace Construction Products—provide innovative products, technologies and services that enhance the quality of life. Grace employs approximately 6,000 people in over 40 countries and had 2011 net sales of $3.2 billion. More information about Grace is available at www.grace.com.

Source: W. R. Grace & Co.

W. R. Grace & Co.
Media Relations:
Greg Euston, +1 404-775-0285
greg@mcgraweuston.com
or
Investor Relations:
Mark Sutherland, +1 410-531-4590
mark.sutherland@grace.com

Grace Reports Fourth Quarter Adjusted EPS of $0.89 and Provides 2012 Outlook

Wednesday February 1st 2012 07:00:00 AM

Agreement in Principle is Reached to Settle Objections to Grace’s Plan of Reorganization from Libby, Montana Claimants

Tuesday January 31st 2012 07:00:36 PM

COLUMBIA, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 31, 2012-- W. R. Grace & Co. (NYSE: GRA) announced today that agreements in principle have been reached among itself, co-proponents of its joint plan of reorganization, BNSF railroad, several insurance companies and the representatives of Libby asbestos personal injury claimants, to settle objections to the joint plan. The agreements in principle are subject to execution of definitive agreements and approval by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. Pursuant to the agreements, the objections to the joint plan by the Libby claimants and BNSF would be settled, and those parties would forego any further appeals to the plan.

“I want to thank everyone who worked so hard to bring this settlement together,” said Fred Festa, Grace’s Chairman and CEO. “Coupled with today’s District Court decision affirming our plan of reorganization, we are moving closer to emergence.”

Among the items covered in the agreements is a requirement for Grace to turn the currently Grace-operated Libby Medical Program over to a locally administered trust, and to fund the trust with $19.5 million. Grace began the Libby Medical Program in 2000 and has spent more than $20 million on the health care of the participants over the last 11 years. Once the trust assumes responsibility for the Libby Medical Program, Grace will no longer have any operational, funding, or other responsibility for the program.

In addition to amounts funded by Grace under the agreements in principle, settlements involving BNSF, its insurers and the Libby claimants will provide the Libby claimants with additional money. Payments to Libby claimants under the joint plan are not affected by the Grace-Libby agreement regarding Libby Medical Program responsibilities, and would commence shortly after the joint plan becomes effective.

Grace filed for protection under Chapter 11 in 2001. Its joint plan was approved by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in January 2011. On January 31, 2012, the U.S. District Court issued an order denying all appeals of the confirmation order and affirming the Plan in its entirety.

The company will address the developments in its Chapter 11 case in prepared remarks at the introduction of the company's fourth quarter 2011 earnings teleconference, which will be webcast on Wednesday, February, 1, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. ET. Instructions for accessing the webcast can be found on the Investors Information page at www.grace.com.

About Grace

Grace is a leading global supplier of catalysts and other products to petroleum refiners; catalysts for the manufacture of plastics; silica-based engineered and specialty materials for a wide range of industrial applications; sealants and coatings for food and beverage packaging, and specialty chemicals, additives and building materials for commercial and residential construction. Founded in 1854, Grace has operations in over 40 countries. For more information, visit Grace’s web site at www.grace.com.

Source: W. R. Grace & Co.

W. R. Grace & Co.
Media Relations:
William M. Corcoran, +1 410-531-4203
william.corcoran@grace.com
or
Investor Relations:
Mark Sutherland, +1 410-531-4590
mark.sutherland@grace.com

Grace Reorganization Plan Affirmed by U.S. District Court

Tuesday January 31st 2012 10:58:58 AM

COLUMBIA, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 31, 2012-- W. R. Grace & Co. (NYSE: GRA) today announced that the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware has denied all objections and confirmed Grace’s Plan of Reorganization in its entirety. The Bankruptcy Court decision approving the Joint Plan was issued on January 31, 2011. Grace filed for Chapter 11 protection on April 2, 2001.

“This is another necessary step in emerging from Chapter 11,” said Fred Festa, Chairman and CEO. “Two Federal courts have now ruled that our Joint Plan is fair to all parties.”

The Joint Plan establishes two asbestos trusts to compensate personal injury claimants and property owners. Funds for the trusts will come from a variety of sources including cash, warrants to purchase Grace common stock, deferred payment obligations, insurance proceeds and payments from certain third parties. The trusts’ assets and operations are designed to cover all current and future asbestos claims.

“I am optimistic that the legal process related to our Joint Plan is coming to an end and we can emerge in the near future,” said Festa. “It is time to put the Joint Plan into effect so that money can begin to flow to claimants who have been waiting for more than a decade to be compensated, and Grace can move forward as well. I look forward to Grace emerging from Chapter 11 as a vibrant, growing company with a great future.”

The timing of Grace’s emergence from bankruptcy depends on a number of factors, including whether there are further appeals to the Joint Plan, whether Grace may emerge with those appeals outstanding, and whether conditions to payments from third parties can be satisfied or waived.

The company will address the District Court’s ruling in prepared remarks at the introduction of the company’s fourth quarter 2011 earnings teleconference, which will be web cast on Wednesday, February 1, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. ET. Instructions for accessing the web cast can be found on the Investors Information page at www.grace.com

Grace is a leading global supplier of catalysts and other products to petroleum refiners; catalysts for the manufacture of plastics; silica-based engineered and specialty materials for a wide range of industrial applications; sealants and coatings for food and beverage packaging, and specialty chemicals, additives and building materials for commercial and residential construction. Founded in 1854, Grace has operations in over 40 countries. For more information, visit Grace’s website at www.grace.com.

Source: W. R. Grace & Co.

W. R. Grace & Co.
Media Relations:
William M. Corcoran, +1-410-531-4203
william.corcoran@grace.com
or
Investor Relations:
Mark Sutherland, +1-410-531-4590
mark.sutherland@grace.com

Grace Announces Patent Notice of Allowance for Flash Chromatography Technology

Wednesday January 25th 2012 08:00:00 AM

Janice Henry Joins Grace's Board of Directors

Thursday January 19th 2012 05:31:35 PM

COLUMBIA, Md., Jan 19, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) --W. R. Grace & Co. (NYSE: GRA) today announced the election of Janice K. Henry to its Board of Directors. Henry's election, which is effective immediately, increases the size of the Board to 10 directors.

Henry, 60, most recently served as Senior Vice President of Martin Marietta Materials, Inc., a producer of construction aggregates, until her retirement in June 2006. Since her retirement, she has served on several boards, and currently is a director of Cliffs Natural Resources Inc.

Over the course of Henry's career, she held numerous positions in financial leadership including serving as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer at Martin Marietta Materials, Inc., and numerous other financial and accounting positions at Martin Marietta Corporation (now Lockheed Martin Corporation).

"Janice's business and financial experience, including acquisitions and capital structuring, is compelling," said Fred Festa, Grace's Chairman and CEO. "Her strategic guidance and perspective will be valuable to our board and leadership team."

About Grace

Grace is a leading global supplier of catalysts and other products to petroleum refiners; catalysts for the manufacture of plastics; silica-based engineered and specialty materials for a wide range of industrial applications; sealants and coatings for food and beverage packaging, and specialty chemicals, additives and building materials for commercial and residential construction. Founded in 1854, Grace has operations in over 40 countries. For more information, visit Grace's web site at www.grace.com.

SOURCE: W. R. Grace & Co.

W. R. Grace & Co.
Media Relations:
Greg Euston, +1 404-775-0285
greg@mcgraweuston.com
or
Investor Relations:
Mark Sutherland, +1 410-531-4590
mark.sutherland@grace.com

Grace Announces Release Date for Fourth Quarter 2011 Results

Thursday December 15th 2011 09:30:52 AM

COLUMBIA, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 15, 2011-- W. R. Grace & Co. (NYSE: GRA) today announced that it will release its fourth quarter 2011 financial results at 6:00 a.m. ET on Wednesday, February 1, 2012. A company hosted conference call and webcast will follow at 11:00 a.m. ET that day.

During the call, Fred Festa, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and Hudson La Force, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, will discuss the fourth quarter results. A question and answer session with analysts will follow the prepared remarks.

Access to the live webcast and the accompanying slides will be available through the Investor Information section of the company’s web site, www.grace.com. Those without access to the internet can participate by dialing +1.866.356.4279 (U.S.) or +1.617.597.5394 (International). The participant passcode is 16560119. Investors are advised to dial into the call at least ten minutes early in order to register.

An audio replay will be available at 2:00 p.m. ET on February 1. The replay will be accessible by dialing +1.888.286.8010 (U.S.) or +1.617.801.6888 (International) and entering participant passcode 56283700.

About Grace

Grace is a leading global supplier of catalysts and other products to petroleum refiners; catalysts for the manufacture of plastics; silica-based engineered and specialty materials for a wide range of industrial applications; sealants and coatings for food and beverage packaging, and specialty chemicals, additives and building materials for commercial and residential construction. Founded in 1854, Grace has operations in over 40 countries. For more information, visit Grace’s web site at www.grace.com.

Source: W. R. Grace & Co.

W. R. Grace & Co.
Media Relations:
Andrea Greenan, +1 410-531-4391
andrea.greenan@grace.com
or
Investor Relations:
Mark Sutherland, +1 410-531-4590
mark.sutherland@grace.com

Grace Completes Expansion in Brazil to Support Renewable Fuels Customers

Monday November 21st 2011 09:30:47 AM

COLUMBIA, Md. & SOROCABA, Brazil--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 21, 2011-- W. R. Grace & Co. (NYSE: GRA) is celebrating the expansion of its manufacturing facility in Sorocaba, Brazil today with a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by community leaders, customers and employees.

The expansion enables Grace to increase production of silica gel for the renewable fuels industry, particularly for biodiesel and renewable diesel, as well as other consumer and industrial applications. Grace’s TriSyl^® silica improves a refinery’s economics by removing contaminants from natural oil feedstocks more efficiently than alternative products.

Greg Poling, President and Chief Operating Officer of W. R. Grace & Co., commented, “This expansion represents a significant investment in Latin America as part of our strategy to strengthen our presence in emerging regions. With this additional capacity, we are positioned to provide even more resources for our local and regional customers.”

Mr. Poling continued, “I’d like to thank the team involved in this expansion. They completed the construction on time and on budget with no recordable or lost time safety incidents.”

The Sorocaba site began silica production in 1984 and is currently Grace’s largest facility in Latin America. The site produces more than 50 grades of silica that are used for applications such as paints, plastics, beer and other beverages, pharmaceuticals and edible oils. Grace has produced more than 100,000 tons of silica in Sorocaba that have been exported throughout Latin America. The site also manufactures can coatings and cement and concrete additives and houses a research and development center and technical customer service lab.

About Grace

Grace is a leading global supplier of catalysts and other products to petroleum refiners; catalysts for the manufacture of plastics; silica-based engineered and specialty materials for a wide range of industrial applications; sealants and coatings for food and beverage packaging, and specialty chemicals, additives and building materials for commercial and residential construction. Founded in 1854, Grace has operations in over 40 countries. For more information, visit Grace’s web site at www.grace.com.

Source: W. R. Grace & Co.

W. R. Grace & Co.
Media Relations:
Andrea Greenan, +1 410-531-4391
andrea.greenan@grace.com
or
Investor Relations:
Mark Sutherland, +1 410-531-4590
mark.sutherland@grace.com

Grace to Present at Citi Basic Materials Symposium

Thursday November 10th 2011 08:33:55 AM

COLUMBIA, Md., Nov 10, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- W. R. Grace & Co. (NYSE: GRA) announced today that Hudson La Force, the company's Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, will address the Citi Basic Materials Symposium in New York City on Tuesday, November 29, 2011.

Scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m. ET, the presentation will be webcast on the company's web site. A link to the audio webcast and corresponding presentation slides will be available at http://investor.grace.com in the What's New section. The presentation slides will be accessible for viewing and downloading from the event calendar on the site at 9:00 a.m. ET on November 29. A replay of the webcast will be available at this site for 90 days.

About Grace

Grace is a leading global supplier of catalysts and other products to petroleum refiners; catalysts for the manufacture of plastics; silica-based engineered and specialty materials for a wide range of industrial applications; sealants and coatings for food and beverage packaging, and specialty chemicals, additives and building materials for commercial and residential construction. Founded in 1854, Grace has operations in over 40 countries. For more information, visit Grace's web site at www.grace.com.

SOURCE: W. R. Grace & Co.

W. R. Grace & Co.
Media Relations:
Andrea Greenan, +1 410-531-4391
andrea.greenan@grace.com
or
Investor Relations:
Mark Sutherland, +1 410-531-4590
mark.sutherland@grace.com

Grace Announces Price Increases For North American Concrete and Masonry Admixtures

Tuesday November 8th 2011 09:04:03 AM

CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS – NOVEMBER 8, 2011 -- Grace Construction Products, an operating segment of W. R. Grace & Co. (NYSE: GRA), has announced that effective January 1, 2012, it is implementing price increases averaging 5% across North American concrete and masonry product lines. The pricing for certain products may increase by more than 10%.

The price increases are required due to continued demand for chemical streams globally, which has put pressure on the cost and availability of raw materials used in these product lines.

About Grace Construction Products

Grace Construction Products is a world-leading provider of technically superior concrete admixtures, fibers, surface treatments and products for decorative concrete that make concrete stronger, longer lasting, crack resistant, aesthetically pleasing and cost efficient. The company is also a leading manufacturer of waterproofing and air barrier systems, fire protection products, additives for cement processing and masonry products, and has plants and sales offices around the world. For more information, customers can contact their local Grace Construction Products sales representative or visit www.graceconstruction.com.

About Grace

Grace is a leading global supplier of catalysts and other products to petroleum refiners; catalysts for the manufacture of plastics; silica-based engineered and specialty materials for a wide range of industrial applications; sealants and coatings for food and beverage packaging, and specialty chemicals, additives and building materials for commercial and residential construction. Founded in 1854, Grace has operations in over 40 countries. For more information, visit Grace’s web site at www.grace.com.

Media Relations:
Andrea Greenan
T +1 410.531.4391
E andrea.greenan@grace.com

Investor Relations:
Mark Sutherland
T +1 410.531.4590
E mark.sutherland@grace.com

Grace Announces Management Re-Alignment

Thursday November 3rd 2011 05:04:14 PM

COLUMBIA, Md., Nov 03, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- W. R. Grace & Co. (NYSE: GRA) announced today that Gregory E. Poling has been elected as Grace's President and Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Poling previously served as President of Grace Davison, Grace's largest operating segment. Fred Festa will remain Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

"Since joining Grace eight years ago, my focus has been on turning Grace into a global, integrated operating company, One Grace, with common business practices and simple, global processes led by a highly engaged organization. We have made tremendous progress, as proven by our performance," said Mr. Festa. "With his deep knowledge of Grace and his experience leading global businesses in both Grace Construction Products and Grace Davison, and his record of results, Greg is the best person to keep moving us forward. I look forward to continue working closely with Greg and the Grace Board of Directors, on our emergence from Chapter 11 and our future growth strategy."

Poling joined Grace in 1977. He spent the first part of his career in Grace Construction Products eventually becoming Vice President and General Manager where he had global responsibility for sales, operations and technical services. He joined Grace Davison in 1999 and became its President in 2005.

"I am very excited about the opportunity that has been given to me by Fred and our Board of Directors," said Poling. "I share Fred's vision for Grace, and I look forward to working with him to leverage our progress over the last eight years and further engaging our Grace colleagues and customers to achieve our vision of being one of the world's premier specialty chemical companies. I know our businesses well, and have great respect for our business leaders; this will be a seamless transition."

In addition to Mr. Poling, reporting to Mr. Festa will be the General Counsel, Chief Financial Officer, and Chief Human Resources Officer. Reporting to Mr. Poling will be the business unit leaders, operations, and environment, health and safety.

Grace is a leading global supplier of catalysts and other products to petroleum refiners; catalysts for the manufacture of plastics; silica-based engineered and specialty materials for a wide range of industrial applications; sealants and coatings for food and beverage packaging, and specialty chemicals, additives and building materials for commercial and residential construction. Founded in 1854, Grace has operations in over 40 countries. For more information, visit Grace's web site at www.grace.com.

This announcement contains forward-looking statements, that is, information related to future, not past, events. Such statements generally include the words "believes," "plans," "intends," "targets," "will," "expects," "suggests," "anticipates," "outlook," "continues" or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, all statements regarding Grace's Chapter 11 case; expected financial positions; results of operations; cash flows; financing plans; business strategy; budgets; capital and other expenditures; competitive positions; growth opportunities for existing products; benefits from new technology and cost reduction initiatives, plans and objectives; and markets for securities. For these statements, Grace claims the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Like other businesses, Grace is subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause its actual results to differ materially from its projections or that could cause other forward-looking statements to prove incorrect. Factors that could cause actual results to materially differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements include, without limitation: developments affecting Grace's bankruptcy, proposed plan of reorganization and settlements with certain creditors, the cost and availability of raw materials (including rare earth) and energy, developments affecting Grace's underfunded and unfunded pension obligations, risks related to foreign operations, especially in emerging regions, acquisitions and divestitures of assets and gains and losses from dispositions or impairments, the effectiveness of its research and development and growth investments, its legal and environmental proceedings, costs of compliance with environmental regulation and those factors set forth in Grace's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, quarterly report on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K, which have been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and are readily available on the Internet at www.sec.gov. Reported results should not be considered as an indication of future performance. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on Grace's projections and forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date thereof. Grace undertakes no obligation to publicly release any revision to the projections and forward-looking statements contained in this announcement, or to update them to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this announcement.

SOURCE: W. R. Grace & Co.

W. R. Grace & Co.
Media Relations
Andrea Greenan, +1 410-531-4391
andrea.greenan@grace.com
or
Investor Relations
Mark Sutherland, + 1 410-531-4590
mark.sutherland@grace.com

Researcher Receives Grace Award for Technical Excellence

Wednesday October 26th 2011 08:58:39 AM

COLUMBIA, Md., Oct 26, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) --W. R. Grace & Co. (NYSE: GRA) recognized company scientist Mike Elder with the 2010 Grace Award for Technical Excellence for his work to develop a novel polypropylene (PP) catalyst that laid the foundation for further polypropylene catalyst developments.

Polypropylene is a plastic commonly used in a wide variety of commercial and consumer applications, such as packaging, textiles (e.g., carpets), medical applications and automotive components. Polypropylene is the second most widely used polymer in everyday consumables.

When presented with a customer's Ziegler-Natta catalyst solution, Mike identified potential issues related to the initial chemistry and reformulated the recipe, thereby improving the efficiency and eliminating the possibility of forming undesirable by-products. He also streamlined the process to make separations and recycling possible.

The ensuing commercial process yielded an improved catalyst that had immediate commercial impact. In 2011, Grace continued expanding its polypropylene catalyst manufacturing capacity through an investment in the company's Albany, Oregon facility.

"I would not be receiving this award today had it not been for the tireless dedication of the Grace teams in the lab and pilot plant in Columbia, Maryland, at the Grace manufacturing facilities in Edison, New Jersey and Albany, Oregon, and many others who collaborated closely throughout the entire development process," said Mike Elder.

Mike joined Grace in 2005 in his current role of Senior Principal Scientist for Grace Davison Specialty Catalysts & Process Technologies. Prior to Grace, he spent 12 years as a chemical researcher with LyondellBasell. He holds a Master of Science degree in Chemistry from the University of Houston in Texas.

"We are extremely proud to recognize Mike for his tremendous talent and technical prowess," said George Young, Vice President of New Business Development for Grace Davison. "It is people like Mike and past recipients of the Grace Award for Technical Excellence who keep Grace on the forefront of innovation in our industries."

Introduced in 2007, the Grace Award for Technical Excellence acknowledges the highest level of technical achievement within the company. Honorees are selected by a committee of peers who evaluate nominations for technical merit; novelty and innovation; commercial impact; and, societal or industrial impact.

Past recipients developed the Synchro^(R) 1000 cement additive that protects the environment through chromium reduction; a "Particle Nucleation and Growth Model" (an effective tool for new product development and process optimization); fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) catalysts that reduce the impact of metals during the processing of crude oil; and, the Reveleris^(R) flash chromatography system that integrates light scattering detection with traditional UV-based purification to improve recovery/purity of new drug candidates.

About Grace

Grace is a leading global supplier of catalysts and other products to petroleum refiners; catalysts for the manufacture of plastics; silica-based engineered and specialty materials for a wide range of industrial applications; sealants and coatings for food and beverage packaging, and specialty chemicals, additives and building materials for commercial and residential construction. Founded in 1854, Grace has operations in over 40 countries. For more information, visit Grace's web site at www.grace.com.

SOURCE: W. R. Grace & Co.

W. R. Grace & Co.
Media Relations:
Andrea Greenan, +1 410-531-4391
andrea.greenan@grace.com