Dow to increase polymeric MDI capacity in Germany

MIDLAND, Mich. (Sept. 15)—Dow Chemical Co. plans to increase capacity for polymeric methylene diphenyl diisocyanate at its Stade, Germany, plant by 60,000 metric tons by the end of 2001. The expansion is part of a series of MDI initiatives by the company, which last month announced plans to build an MDI plant in the U.S. Gulf Coast region and upgrade its La Porte, Texas, facility. ``Dow plans to increase polymeric MDI capacity in Stade in response to increased market demand,´´ said Bob Wood, president of the Dow business group that includes polyurethanes, polyurethanes systems houses and other related product lines. The expansion represents a 46-percent increase in the Stade plant´s capacity. An investment figure was not divulged.