Dow Announces Increase in Methyl Cellulose

Dow, a subsidiary of DowDuPont (Midland, Michigan), recently announced a series of incremental methyl cellulose capacity investments, which the company says aims to help construction dry mix customers secure a supply of additives.

Dow says it will increase capacity in production at its manufacturing facilities in Bomlitz and Bitterfeld, Germany. The expansions represent a 19,000-metric-ton increase in capacity for Dow’s Walocel and Methocel cellulose ethers, which are used in a variety of applications for adhesives, grouts, fillers, levellers and joint compounds; reinforcing and bonding mortars for the External Thermal Insulation Composite System; gypsum plasters; and cement-based renders.

“We believe the industry will welcome these capacity announcements as further proof of our sustained growth strategy and commitment to supplying high-quality, innovative raw materials that help serve the needs of today’s and tomorrow’s dynamic construction industry,” said Jane Palmieri, Business President, Dow Polyurethanes, Chlor-Alkali & Vinyl and Construction Chemicals.

“Our customers not only need to meet current demand for such products, but also to drive ongoing performance enhancements in a competitive market. For this reason, we sustain our commitment to innovation and aim to broaden our product portfolio with differentiated solutions.”

The new capacities are expected to come online in 2019 and 2020.