HORGEN, Switzerland - Dow Polyurethanes' newly expanded diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) plant in Estarreja, Portugal, has successfully started production. The world-scale facility will provide both polymeric and crude MDI, offering customers increased flexibility and reliability of supply of this essential polyurethane raw material. Dow Polyurethanes is a business group within The Dow Chemical Co. and its affiliates, including Dow Europe GmbH.

 

"The expansion is the result of a great relationship with our suppliers and the Portuguese government and enables Dow to provide customers with quality products from our world-scale facilities," said Steven English, Global Business Director for Dow's Isocyanates business. "This expansion is the most recent example of Dow's commitment to the MDI market and our ability to supply our customers long term."

 

MDI is a major raw material used in the production of rigid polyurethane foam and polyurethane elastomers, with end-use markets such as home, commercial and industrial foam insulation, as well as refrigeration, appliances, coatings, adhesives, sealants and elastomers.

 

Dow currently produces and distills MDI at facilities in Freeport and La Porte, TX; Yeosu, South Korea; Stade, Germany; Delfzijl, The Netherlands; and Estarreja, Portugal.