MELBOURNE, Australia – Following the grand opening of the Dow Microbial Control Customer Application Center (CAC) in Melbourne on Thursday, May 12, Dow Microbial Control customers in Australia and New Zealand will have access to state-of-the-art testing laboratories and innovative formulations that are in line with local regulatory requirements.

Senior management from Dow Microbial Control and customers from various industries were present for the grand opening. The Dow Microbial Control Academy also conducted its first training courses in Australia, focusing on the latest technologies and trends in microbial control. Following the launch event, guests were invited to take part in a firsthand tour of the new facility in Altona, Melbourne, gaining insights into microbial solutions specific to the Asia-Pacific region.

The global biocides and specialty chemicals industries are growing at an average of 10 to 15 percent, with Australia and New Zealand experiencing growth rates in these key areas of about eight percent year-on-year. In particular, shale gas is one new area of business that is expected to drive the market in the next five years as Australia prepares to harness this untapped natural gas resource.

The new facility supports customers throughout Australia and New Zealand by offering on-site Dow Microbial Control application experts who have unparalleled regional experience in developing antimicrobial solutions for products and systems. Also, the academy headquartered in Singapore serves as a key resource for customers in the Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand region. The academy is designed to provide customers with access to educational opportunities, regulatory support, technical expertise and R&D tools to attain the best solution to specific microbial control challenges.