Ludwigshafen, Germany and Midland, MI - November 21, 2006
BASF Aktiengesellschaft (BASF) and The Dow Chemical Company (Dow) today announced their decision to conduct a joint feasibility study for the construction of a state-of-the-art production plant for toluene diisocyanate (TDI) and precursors at one of their integrated sites in Europe. The plant would have an annual capacity of 300,000 metric tons and would be the world’s largest such facility ever built. The study will take into consideration factors such as location, best technology and infrastructure. Should the project prove viable, the facility would start operations in 2011.
“Although this is an early-stage feasibility study, we believe the world’s top two chemical companies can create a world-class TDI facility that has outstanding economic and technological competitiveness,” said Pat Dawson, business vice president, Dow Polyurethanes. “This facility would support the future growth plans of Dow’s performance businesses, while ensuring our competitiveness to meet increasing customer demand for TDI in Europe.”
“With this approach we solidify our commitment to the global TDI market by evaluating additional production capabilities,” said Jacques Delmoitiez, president of BASF’s Polyurethanes division. “By combining the strengths and expertise of both companies, we continue to improve our ability to serve the needs of our customers and thus help them to be more successful.”
Following the joint development of a process to produce propylene oxide on the basis of hydrogen peroxide (HPPO technology), this current venture is the second recent cooperation between Dow and BASF that focuses on the polyurethanes industry. In September 2006, Dow and BASF held a groundbreaking ceremony for their first world-scale HPPO plant at BASF's site in Antwerp, Belgium. Dow and BASF are considering the development of additional HPPO projects in other regions, including Asia.
About BASF
Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com
About The Dow Chemical Company
Dow is a diversified chemical company that harnesses the power of science and technology to improve living daily. The Company offers a broad range of innovative products and services to customers in more than 175 countries, helping them to provide everything from fresh water, food and pharmaceuticals to paints, packaging and personal care products. Built on a commitment to its principles of sustainability, Dow has annual sales of $46 billion and employs 42,000 people worldwide. References to "Dow" or the "Company" mean The Dow Chemical Company and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise expressly noted.
For Editorial Information:
Myra Dean
The Dow Chemical Company
1 (989) 638-6969
Dr. Anna-Maria Diefenthal
Corporate Media Relations
49 621 60-99123
anna-maria.diefenthal@basf.com
