Dow Announces Plans for New Propylene Glycol Plant in Thailand

MIDLAND, Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Dow Chemical Company (NYSE: DOW) announced today that it plans to build a propylene glycol (PG) plant in Map Ta Phut, Thailand, with a production capacity of up to 150 KTA. The new PG facility will utilize propylene oxide (PO) derived from the new, sustainable hydrogen peroxide to propylene oxide (HPPO) technology, developed jointly by Dow and BASF SE. The HPPO plant is being constructed as part of the integrated joint venture liquids cracker and derivatives project in Thailand with Siam Cement Group (SCG).

The Thailand PG facility will use a safe, efficient and more environmentally friendly process and will have the capability to provide the same high quality glycol products that are produced in other Dow PG manufacturing facilities around the globe. This investment will greatly enhance support to Dow’s customers in the Asia Pacific region for a variety of product applications including pharmaceuticals, food, personal care and more.

In addition, the advanced energy reduction and throughput optimization technology that was implemented at Dow’s Stade, Germany PG site in September 2010 will also be implemented at the new Thailand PG facility. The advanced technology is an example of the Company’s commitment to delivering innovative technologies that address the world’s evolving needs by reducing energy consumption and environmental impact, while increasing throughput.

“The new plant, combined with our new HPPO technology, demonstrates Dow’s commitment to our customers in the Asia Pacific region by offering locally sourced propylene glycol for enhanced supply reliability,” said John Smith, Propylene Oxide/Propylene Glycols global business director. “With these investments, Dow is well-positioned long-term to strategically grow our PG franchise with sustainability and competitiveness in the region.”

Dow is a global capacity leader in PO and PG manufacturing, with global PO capacity of more than 2,000 KTA and global PG capacity of more than 700 KTA. Dow currently has five global PG manufacturing facilities—one of the world’s highest capacity plants in Germany; two facilities in North America; a facility in Brazil and another in Australia.

About Dow Polyurethanes

Dow is the worlds largest producer of propylene oxide (PO) propylene glycol (PG) and polyether polyols, and is a leading producer of quality aromatic isocyanates, such as MDI and TDI. Dows polyurethane products enhance a broad range of applications including construction, automotive, furniture, bedding, appliance, decorative molding, athletic equipment and more. The business provides key ingredients, systems and solutions for rigid, semi-rigid and flexible foams, adhesives, sealants, coatings, elastomers and binders. VORANOL VORACTIN polyols exemplify Dow’s ongoing initiative to lead the industry in providing high-performance products that meet critical consumer needs. For more information, visit www.dowpolyurethanes.com, www.dowpg.com, www.dowpo.com and www.voractiv.com.

About Dow

Dow combines the power of science and technology with the “Human Element” to passionately innovate what is essential to human progress. The Company connects chemistry and innovation with the principles of sustainability to help address many of the worlds most challenging problems such as the need for clean water, renewable energy generation and conservation, and increasing agricultural productivity. Dows diversified industry-leading portfolio of specialty chemical, advanced materials, agrosciences and plastics businesses delivers a broad range of technology-based products and solutions to customers in approximately 160 countries and in high growth sectors such as electronics, water, energy, coatings and agriculture. In 2009, Dow had annual sales of $45 billion and employed approximately 52,000 people worldwide. The Companys more than 5,000 products are manufactured at 214 sites in 37 countries across the globe. References to "Dow" or the "Company" mean The Dow Chemical Company and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise expressly noted. More information about Dow can be found at www.dow.com.

About SCG

Siam Cement Group or SCG is one of ASEAN leading industrial conglomerates with leading market position in each of its core businesses of Chemicals, Paper, Cement, Building Materials, and Distribution. Chemicals business of SCG or SCG Chemicals is one of the leading players in the Asia Pacific region, serving worldwide customers. Today, SCG Chemicals continues to expand its business presence into international markets and emphasizes on innovation in products/services, processes, and business models to delight its customers. More information about SCG can be found at www.scg.co.th