At a groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate expanded production of formulated polyols at its facility in Zhangjiagang / China, Dow Polyurethanes (Midland, Michigan / USA; www.dow.com) called the facility a "significant milestone" in its growth history. The expanded facility at the integrated Chinese site will have capacity to produce more than 120,000 t/y of formulated polyols when fully operational. Speaking at the dedication ceremony, Chandrakant Nayak, Dow Polyurethanes Asia-Pacific product director, said the investment is “clear proof of our commitment to support customers, to focus on innovation and to continue our growth in China.”

Patrick Ho, vice president of operations for Dow Polyurethanes in Asia-Pacific, said the plant “positions us to serve local customers and to support their competitive interests in infrastructure, transportation, appliance, furniture and bedding and many more markets and solutions that are central to China’s growth and sustainability agendas.” Greater China is the second largest international market for Dow, where the chemical giant has enjoyed double-digit growth, said Yoke Loon Lim, its Greater China president. “We are confident in and committed to China over the long term,” he added.