Dow ending sales of TPO and PVC roofing

ERJ staff report (R&PN)

Midland, Michigan -- Dow Roofing Systems LLC is abandoning the thermoplastic polyolefin and PVC roofing membranes and accessories business in North America.

The unit of Dow Chemical Co. said it will continue to provide products to the roofing market, but not the TPO and PVC materials as of Jan. 31. Dow Roofing Systems, which is part of the Dow Building Solutions business unit, said it intends to focus on its insulation and adhesive productions and other innovations.

The discontinued lines are not part of the firm's core business, and represent a small percentage of overall sales, said Scott Young, president and general manager of Dow Roofing Systems.

Dow Roofing Systems-which was formed via the acquisition of Stevens Roofing Systems in 2008-will continue to make and sell Styrofoam polystyrene foam insulation products, Thermax polyisocyanurate insulation and Dow Powerhouse solar shingles.

Dow Chemical bought the Stevens business from JPS Industries Inc., a deal that included its headquarters in Holyoke, Mass., and a plant in Westfield, N.C. The company later closed the Westfield factory.

From Rubber & Plastics News (A Crain publication)