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AKRON, Ohio, Aug. 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- A. Schulman, Inc. (Nasdaq-GS: SHLM) announces it is expanding its North American Polybatch(R) manufacturing operations with a new plant at the site of its existing distribution warehouse in Akron, Ohio.

"We needed a new facility in the United States to build on our global success with Polybatch," said Joseph M. Gingo, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. "We intend to be a leader with this product line in the U.S. market just as we are an established leader in Europe and Mexico."

A. Schulman will receive financial incentives from the City of Akron, Summit County and the State of Ohio. The Company expects the facility to provide approximately 20 new jobs initially, and approximately 60 additional positions within the next few years as production increases.

The site has served as a manufacturing facility for other A. Schulman products in the past, and was the Company's first plant when it opened in 1929. The Company has used it solely as a warehouse for its distribution business since November 2000. The distribution operations will continue at the site.

"Our decision to invest in this facility is in line with our overall strategy to maximize the use of our existing assets," Gingo said.

Gingo added, "We greatly appreciate the support of the city, county and state leaders and their dedication to making this project possible. A. Schulman has a long and proud history in Akron, and we intend to continue to be a major contributor to the community."

Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic said, "It is critical for us to create partnerships if we want to remain competitive as communities in Northeastern Ohio. The economy dictates that we join forces, combine resources and be a force for creating and retaining jobs. Akron has done this with companies small, medium and large and with considerable success."

Summit County Executive Russell Pry added, "The Job Center and Department of Economic Development have worked collaboratively with A. Schulman to provide Workforce Investment Act training funds so that the Company can hire workers who have been dislocated from other businesses in the county. This is a win for Summit County, as we get to keep good paying jobs right here."

"Companies such as A. Schulman are helping to move Ohio to the head of the global class," said Lt.

A. Schulman's Polybatch product line consists of specialized, high-tech additives for polypropylene, film, extrusion, injection molding and thermoforming applications, primarily in the packaging market. The additives enhance the performance of customers' products with features such as antibacterial, antifogging and antistatic properties, easy-open packaging, and cling and foaming agents.

Headquartered in Akron, Ohio, A. Schulman is a leading international supplier of high-performance plastic compounds and resins. These materials are used in a variety of consumer, industrial, automotive and packaging applications. The Company employs about 2,200 people and has 16 manufacturing facilities in North America and Europe (including Asia). Revenues for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2007, were $1.8 billion. Additional information about A. Schulman can be found at http://www.aschulman.com/ .

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this release may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Federal securities laws. These statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historic or current facts. They use such words as "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "project," "intend," "plan," "believe," and other words and terms of similar meaning in connection with any discussion of future operating or financial performance. These forward-looking statements are based on currently available information, but are subject to a variety of uncertainties, unknown risks and other factors concerning the Company's operations and business environment, which are difficult to predict and are beyond the control of the Company.