CHARLOTTE, N.C., September 10, 2008 – FMC Lithium announced today the grand opening of the Center for Lithium Energy Advanced Research (CLEAR), a new battery research and development (R&D) facility at the company’s Bessemer City, N. C., plant.  CLEAR is equipped with a state-of-the-art R&D dry room, allowing for testing of rechargeable lithium-ion battery components. This new facility will be used for development and demonstration of FMC Lithium’s new lithium battery materials including its revolutionary SLMPTM stabilized lithium metal powder.

“FMC Lithium has been an active player in lithium-ion battery material technology ever since lithium-ion batteries emerged in the early 1990s,” said Rakesh Sikand, FMC Lithium division manager, “This new facility demonstrates our strong belief that lithium chemistry will play a major role in automotive electrification to reduce oil consumption as well as carbon dioxide emission and allows us to work on accelerating the incorporation of FMC’s newly developed materials into battery products.  We look forward to making a difference together with our partners and customers in the development of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in electric vehicles (PHEVs) and electric vehicles (EVs).”

From its headquarters in Charlotte, N.C., FMC Lithium serves markets including battery and energy, air treatment, construction, energy, fine chemicals, glass and ceramics, greases and lubricants, pool-water treatment, and polymers. Information is available at fmclithium.com. The company may be reached at by phone at 888/LITHIUM or 704/868-5300, by fax at 704/868-5370, or by email at lithium.info@fmc.com.

FMC Corporation (NYSE:FMC) is a diversified chemical company serving agricultural, industrial and consumer markets globally for more than a century with innovative solutions, applications and quality products. The company employs approximately 5,000 people throughout the world. The company operates its businesses in three segments: Agricultural Products, Specialty Chemicals and Industrial Chemicals.

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