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                                                                   EXHIBIT 99.a


                                               CONTACT:  Cynthia R. Morris
                                                         Chief Financial Officer
                                                         (214) 373-7864 ext. 101

For Immediate Release

SUN COAST INDUSTRIES, INC. ANNOUNCES SALE OF ITS SPECIALTY RESINS AND COMPOUNDS
                       BUSINESS TO BORDEN CHEMICAL, INC.


Dallas, Texas, February 6, 1998 - Sun Coast Industries, Inc. (NYSE:SN) announced
that, in a closing today, Borden Chemical, Inc. acquired the operating assets 
and assumed operating liabilities related to the Specialty Resins and Compounds
Division of Plastics Manufacturing Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Sun
Coast Industries, Inc.

The business sold to Borden has a major position in the melamine resins industry
with its resins being used primarily in decorative laminates for preassembled
furniture, counter tops, flooring and other home products. In addition, the
business makes urea and melamine based compounds primarily used in the
electrical wiring device industry, for tableware and related products.

The acquisition includes manufacturing facilities located in Dallas, Texas and
Murfreesboro, Tenn. More than 200 employees associated with the business are
joining Borden Chemical.

Borden Chemical, Inc., a subsidiary of Borden, Inc., is a leading global
producer and supplier for formaldehyde, melamine, resins, coatings and other
chemical products used in forest products, foundry and other industrial
application.

                                     *****

Note to Editors:  Borden Chemical, Inc. is a subsidiary of privately held
Borden, Inc. It is not affiliated with Borden Chemicals and Plastics Limited
Partnership  (NYSE: BCU).




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