VLADIMIR, Russia – Dow Izolan, the joint-venture company between the Dow Chemical Co. (Dow) and Izolan, has broken ground on a polyurethane-systems manufacturing facility in Vladimir, Russia. The new plant will help Dow Izolan enhance its offering to Russian customers serving the fast-growing automotive, consumer, footwear, furniture, appliance and construction markets. The facility is scheduled for startup in mid-2009.

The facility will produce a broad range of polyurethane systems, from rigid foam systems used in construction panels and insulation to flexible foam systems used for arm rests, head rests and seating in automotive applications.