Dow expands production capacity of methyl cellulose

Dow has announced a series of incremental methyl cellulose capacity investments to help construction dry mix customers secure reliable supply of key additives. These capacity increases are part of Dow’s multi-phase investment plan for construction chemicals.

Dow will increase capacity in methyl cellulose production at its manufacturing facilities in Bomlitz and Bitterfeld, Germany. Collectively, these expansion projects represent a 19,000-tpa increase in capacity for Dow’s Walocel and Methocel cellulose ethers, which are used in a variety of applications for tile adhesives, grouts, fillers, levellers and joint compounds; reinforcing and bonding mortars for External Thermal Insulation Composite System (ETICS); gypsum plasters; and cement-based renders. The new capacities are expected to come online in 2019 and 2020.

“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 Ms. Jane Palmieri, Business President, Dow Polyurethanes, Chlor-Alkali & Vinyl and Construction Chemicals.