Dow adds new production line at German PU facility

Midland, Michigan – Dow Inc. has completed the construction of an adhesives and gap filler production line at its polyurethane systems house in Ahlen, Germany.

The new line will manufacture Voratron-branded PU systems, enabling Dow to increase its capacity for the production of such systems 10-fold, Dow announced 16 May.

Powered by renewable energy, the new capacity targets increasing demand for the materials in battery-assembly applications for the e-mobility segment.

The materials are described as “high-strength adhesives and thermally conductive composites” that enhance the mechanical and thermal-management performance of EVs.

In addition to ‘improved processability,’ the PU products are also said to feature low-density, helping automotive manufacturers to reduce vehicle weight.

According to Dow's statement, electric vehicles will represent more than one in four new passenger car sales by 2030.

The investment in adhesive and gap filler production is “well-timed to capture this new demand," said Dr Esther Quintanilla, marketing director at Dow MobilityScience.

"The battery is the key to the automotive evolution, and this advancement allows us to serve the current and future EV segment,” added Quintanilla.