Dow Grows North East technology presence with the establishment of a research and development facility in Suburban Philadelphia

Friday, Jun 29, 2012

The Dow Chemical Company (NYSE: DOW) announced today, an agreement that will position the nation’s largest specialty chemical and advanced materials company for future growth by locating its North East USA Technology Center in Collegeville, Pa.

“This strategy bolsters our company’s long-standing commitment to Pennsylvania by putting our R&D operations on a long-term path forward”

Dow scientists will begin operations next year in a state-of-the-art research and development facility owned by the pharmaceutical company Pfizer Inc. Employees at Dow’s Spring House, Pa. campus will begin moving to the new site as early as the first quarter of 2013. It is estimated that more than 800 jobs will remain in the county as both Spring House and Collegeville are cities within Montgomery County.

“This premier new location provides Dow’s world-class researchers with a new collaborative and innovation centric space, enhanced capabilities and best in class tools to create differentiation for our customers,” said Andrew N. Liveris, Dow’s chairman and chief executive officer.

“Establishing operations in Collegeville will allow us to remain competitive in a global market and continue as a major employer in Montgomery County, and Pennsylvania."

With over 750,000 square feet of laboratory and office space, the facility will also have room to accommodate potential job growth in the future. After conducting a comprehensive feasibility study, Dow determined this opportunity as the best option to reach research objectives.

“This strategy bolsters our company’s long-standing commitment to Pennsylvania by putting our R&D operations on a long-term path forward,” said Jerome Peribere, executive vice president of The Dow Chemical Company and president and chief executive officer, Dow Advanced Materials headquartered in Philadelphia. “We are proud residents of the Delaware Valley region and look forward to continuing the tradition of innovation that our company began here more than 40 years ago.”

Dow’s Spring House location, acquired via the Company’s Rohm and Haas acquisition in 2009, has been a center for strategic research and development since 1963. From this site, the company’s scientists have invented products ranging from acrylic technology for high-quality latex paints to water purification products and polymers used in laundry detergents, shampoo, lotion, and conditioners.

Source: Business Wire