Dow Chemical to raise polybutadiene output in France

HORGEN, Switzerland (June 28)—Dow Chemical Co. will raise annual capacity for polybutadiene rubber at its plant in Berre-L'Etang, France, 55 percent to 70,000 metric tons. The solution BR plant was part of Dow's 1999 acquisition of Shell Chemical Co.'s general purpose rubber business. Dow's rubber business is growing worldwide, according to Andreas Mader, commercial director, Dow Synthetic Rubber. "We will continue to enhance and invest in our existing facilities as necessary," he said in a company statement. BR is widely used in truck tires, as blends with natural rubber, and in the manufacture of high impact polystyrene. Dow did not reveal the investment planned for the expansion.