Dow Completes MDI Expansion in Estarreja, Portugal

Wed, 3 June 2009

Dow Polyurethanes' newly expanded diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) plant in Estarreja, Portugal, successfully started production today. The world-scale facility will provide both polymeric and crude MDI, offering customers increased flexibility and reliability of supply of this essential polyurethane raw material. The expansion, which was announced in 2006, was completed with no interruptions in customer service. Dow Polyurethanes is a business group within The Dow Chemical Company and its affiliates including Dow Europe GmbH.

"The expansion is the result of a great relationship with our suppliers and the Portuguese government, and enables Dow to provide customers with quality products from our world-scale facilities," said Steven English, global business director for Dow's Isocyanates business. "This expansion is the most recent example of Dow's commitment to the MDI market and our ability to supply our customers long-term."

MDI is a major raw material used in the production of rigid polyurethane foam and polyurethane elastomers, with end-use markets such as home, commercial and industrial foam insulation, as well as refrigeration, appliances, and coatings, adhesives, sealants and elastomers.

"We are very proud to see Estarreja become one of the leading production facilities around the world. The operating excellence of our employees and the commitment and support of the Portuguese government have been key to make this happen," said Washington Dantas, Estarreja site leader.

Dow currently produces and distills MDI at the facilities in Freeport and La Porte, Texas; Yeosu, South Korea; Stade, Germany; Delfzijl, The Netherlands, and Estarreja, Portugal.