COLUMBIA, Md., Jan 12, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Grace Davison, an operating segment of W. R. Grace & Co. (NYSE: GRA), has received the 2009 Frost & Sullivan North American Technology Innovation Award in the field of refinery catalysts.

Grace Davison was selected for its MIDAS^(R)-300 fluid cracking catalyst that helps refiners meet worldwide demand for diesel fuel and comply with regulations for lower sulfur fuels. The MIDAS^(R)-300 catalyst cracks the very bottom of the oil barrel and converts it into light cycle oil (LCO), a component that is blended into the refinery's diesel pool.

Shawn A. Abrams, Vice President and General Manager, Grace Davison Refining Technologies, commented, "We are pleased to accept this award, which recognizes Grace's long-term commitment to the research and development of innovative products that meet the continuing challenges of the global petroleum refining industry."

The MIDAS^(R)-300 catalyst was launched in 2008 at a technical seminar in Houston, Texas. It is the newest generation offering from the MIDAS^(R) series that initially began in 2005 with MIDAS^(R)-100 and was expanded to include MIDAS^(R)-200 in 2007.

"Used in six commercial units, the MIDAS^(R)-300 catalyst is designed to offer a high activity matrix surface area balanced with an optimized zeolite level," said Joanne Deady, Vice President, Global Marketing, Grace Davison Refining Technologies. "Our customers have successfully used MIDAS^(R)-300 catalyst as a stand-alone product or as part of a Grace customized catalyst system. We have a broad product portfolio and industry leading position that enables us to design solutions that meet varying customer needs."

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.

MIDAS^(R) is a trademark, registered in the United States and/or other countries, of W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn. This trademark list has been compiled using available published information as of the publication date of this announcement and may not accurately reflect current trademark ownership.

© Copyright 2010 W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn. All rights reserved.

SOURCE: W. R. Grace & Co.

W. R. Grace & Co.
Media Relations:
Betsy Mettee
T +1 410.531.8226
Ebetsy.mettee@grace.com
or
Investor Relations:
Susette Smith
T + 1 410.531.4590
Esusette.smith@grace.com