Dow expanding Dutch polyols plant

Midland, Michigan -- Dow Polyurethanes has signed up Jacobs Engineering to carry out the detailed engineering phase of an expansion of its polyols plant in Terneuzen, The Netherlands. Dow has recently completed a feasibility study to increase polyols production at the facility by 180 kilotonnes per annum next year.

“This significant polyols expansion underscores Dow’s commitment to strengthen its position in Europe, with a focus on driving the growth of its Performance businesses throughout the region,” said Doug Warner, business director for polyols, Dow Polyurethanes. “Our decision to undertake an expansion at this facility is driven by demand for Dow polyols in downstream markets and strong customer interest in our specialty polyols and polyurethanes systems products.”

Raw materials for the polyols produced at the site will be sourced from the 300-ktpa joint Dow and BASF hydrogen peroxide to propylene oxide (HPPO) facility currently under construction in Antwerp, Belgium. That facility is due for startup in 2008. Propylene oxide (PO) is a raw material used in the manufacture of polyols.