Dow opens first manufacturing plant in western China

The Dow Chemical Company (Dow) has officially opened its coating materials plant in western China.

The new facility, located in the Cheng Mei Petrochemical Zone, approximately 50km from Chengdu, will produce acrylic emulsion and additives to address the growing needs of the architectural and industrial coating markets.

The plant is Dow’s first manufacturing site in western China and is evidence of Dow’s firm commitment to explore China’s emerging western inland markets, as well as its support of the Belt and Road initiative of the Chinese government.

"Western China is at the forefront of the nation’s Belt and Road initiative.

"Sustainable urbanisation and infrastructure upgrade in the region provide tremendous business opportunities for Dow," said Yoke Loon Lim, President of Dow Greater China.

"Our innovative and sustainable solutions align well with the market needs in western China.

"The new facility is part of Dow’s commitment to strengthen its local manufacturing and service footprint to better serve the market."

In 2012, Dow opened its western China business centre in Chengdu to provide on-the-ground sales, service, and technical support to local customers and partners.

Ashok Kalyana, Business Director, Dow Coating Materials Asia Pacific, commented, "We are very excited about our newly added local production facility for sustainably advantaged coating materials.

"The new plant will play a critical role in providing solutions in a fast and effective manner to our current and potential customers in western China.

"With outstanding features like low odour, low VOC emissions, and high performance, our products help customers better meet the increasingly stringent environment and quality standards of the Chinese government."

Since breaking ground, the plant has adhered to Dow’s global environmental, health and safety guidelines.

It is intended that it will be run as a role model of sustainable operations.

Wastewater, waste gas and solid wastes will be treated with Dow’s advanced techniques and in compliance with China’s national and local sustainability requirements.

In October 2017, the plant was awarded a government encouragement fund totaling RMB3.19M by the Sichuan provincial government in recognition of its industry-leading sustainable operations and products.

Dow currently operates 17 manufacturing sites and 10 business centres with approximately 5000 employees across Greater China, which is now the second largest international market for Dow globally.