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Dow Announces Global Expansion Plans For Cellulosics

23 Mar 2005 - The Dow Chemical Company has announced a planned 20,000 metric ton global expansion for the production of its METHOCEL* methylcellulose (MC) and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) products. This multi-phase expansion plan focuses on Dow's continued global leadership and commitment to the industrial and premium marketplace for water soluble polymers.
 
The first phase involves increasing production by 3,000 metric tons at Dow's Stade, Germany facility. This project is currently underway and will be completed in early 2006. This is the second recent expansion at the Stade facility, with a full new train brought on-stream in 2003.
 
In North America, Dow intends to implement an additional 17,000 metric tons of production between Dow's two facilities in Midland, Michigan and Plaquemine, Louisiana. The overall building materials industry continues to grow in excess of 6% per year in North America, and these expansions will ensure continuous support of this industry well into the future. In addition, plans also include enhanced capabilities for manufacturing premium and specialized grades of Dow products in support of the pharmaceutical, food and industrial specialties businesses. Dow is anticipating the Midland facility start-up to be in 2007, while Plaquemine is planned for 2007/2008, subject to state and local tax incentives.