Bomlitz, Germany - Dow Wolff Cellulosics, a newly formed specialty business unit of The Dow Chemical Company, has announced new capacity and capabilities in its Methylhydroxyethylcellulose (MHEC) production and expansions in production of METHOCEL™.

The company plans to build a MHEC production plant in Bitterfeld, Germany. It will produce MHEC primarily for the construction materials market and is expected to come on stream in the first quarter 2009.

New capacity for METHOCEL cellulose ethers is expected to be available from production facilities in Stade, Germany, during the fourth quarter of 2007, while facilities in Midland, MI, will have a new full-train operational in early 2008. This increase is expected to yield capacity additions of approximately 10,000 metric tons.

Dow Wolff Cellulosics is also executing plans to enhance its capabilities to produce more low-viscosity (LV) products. While Dow Wolff Cellulosics has already adjusted its product mix to accommodate modest additional LV capabilities in Midland and at Plaquemine, LA, the company plans to enhance LV capability at Plaquemine during 2009 and is also committed to establishing similar capabilities in Germany for more global supply flexibility.