COLUMBIA, Md. & WORMS, Germany, Dec 09, 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- W. R. Grace & Co. (NYSE: GRA) today announced plans to increase its manufacturing capacity with the expansion of its facility in Worms, Germany.

The expansion will enable greater production of polypropylene catalysts (commonly marketed under the trade name POLYTRAK(R)) that are used by customers in the production of plastics. Construction is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2010 with start up in 2011. The expansion will be built on available land already owned by the company and will benefit from nearby Grace technical resources and infrastructure.

Polypropylene is a versatile olefin polymer that can substitute for materials such as wood, metal and glass. It is used to create everyday products including snack food packaging, artificial athletic playing surfaces, car bumpers, household appliances and syringes.

Gregory E. Poling, Vice President of W. R. Grace & Co. and President of Grace Davison, said, "Through this expansion, we are making a commitment to our current and prospective customers that we can meet their long-term needs. We believe in the future of the POLYTRAK(R) product and its potential industry growth."

Hans-Michael Huck, Operations Director of the Worms facility, remarked, "We are excited by the investment in our operations and local business community. The coming year will be a busy one for the site but we remain focused on a safe and timely completion of the construction and a successful grand opening."

The Worms site has approximately 900 employees. Products produced at the facility include catalysts, additives and silica-based materials that are used by the refining, industrial, consumer, food and beverage, biotechnology and pharmaceutical segments.

The facility was certified by a third party auditor in 2008 to ISO 14001, an internationally recognized standard that provides the requirements for an environmental management system. The following year, the site pursued and secured successful certification to the Grace Environment, Health and Safety Management System that is broader in scope, addressing environmental management as well as the management of health, safety, security, product stewardship and transportation.

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.

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SOURCE: W. R. Grace & Co.

W. R. Grace & Co.
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William Corcoran, +1-410-531-4203
william.corcoran@grace.com
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Investor Relations
Sue Smith, +1-410-531-4590
susette.smith@grace.com