Dow Corning builds plant in India for silicon-based products

By Liz White, ERJ staff

Midland, Michigan-Dow Corning is building a new manufacturing facility in Pune, India, scheduled to start operating in 2006.

The manufacturer of silicone elastomers and sealant materials said the plant, in the MIDC Industrial Park in Ranjangaon, will help Dow Corning meet the region's expanding demand for silicon-based products.

"We have been fortunate to enjoy excellent growth and increasing demand in India," said Raj Kapur, managing director of Dow Corning India Pvt. Ltd, in a company statement. "This new facility will help us support the needs of local and multinational customers, and is an important part of our growth plans for India and for Asia."

The plant will make polymers, lubricants, sealants, and emulsions for the Indian and Asian markets. It will also help Dow Corning meet soaring global demand for silicon-based materials in a wide variety of industries and emerging markets, the group said. "Particularly in Asia, the growth in the last few years has been outstanding, and it is anticipated that this growth will continue," commented Kapur.

Included in the development is a laboratory where Dow Corning and customers can develop products and customers will have access to leading technological equipment as well as Dow Corning technical professionals.

"Dow Corning has been serving various Indian industries for over 20 years … We see significant potential for silicon-based materials, technologies and solutions in this dynamic, fast-expanding market," said Robert Hansen, Dow Corning vice president and general manager of core products, in the company's statement.