Dow to build EPDM plant in US

ERJ staff report (DS)

Midland, Michigan - Dow Chemical has announced plans to build a new plant to make EPDM on the United States' Gulf coast. The company did not specify the capacity of the unit, but said it would be a 'world-scale' facility. It is scheduled to come on stream in 2016.

The unit will make products under the Nordel IP brand. Dow said the unit will use a solution process and will use Dow's newest proprietary catalyst technology.

“Nordel IP will continue to be a strategic part of the Dow Elastomers portfolio both now and into the future,” said Kim Ann Mink, business president, Dow Elastomers, Electrical and Telecommunications. “The new world-scale facility will position Dow to meet the increasing global demand for EPDM through next generation technology that produces a broader offering including high mooney viscosity products with enhanced quality. From automotive and building and construction to wire and cable markets, we will maintain Dow's cost competitive position through the implementation of technology efficiencies and leveraging large, integrated sites. This new facility demonstrates the Company's commitment to invest in specialty products that bring performance advantages to the marketplace.”

End-use applications for Nordel IP include automotive weather-stripping, automotive hoses and belts, building profiles, roofing membranes, footwear and general rubber products

Dow said the manufacturing site will be located on the U.S. Gulf Coast; Dow is currently assessing location options. This production facility will leverage Dow's investment plan to increase ethylene and propylene production in the U.S. Gulf coast and will connect the Company's U.S. operations into feedstock opportunities available from increasing supplies of U.S. shale gas.

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Press release from Dow