Joint venture begins operating

DURHAM, N.C. (Jan. 11)—Dow Reichhold Specialty Latex L.L.C., the recently formed joint venture of Dow Chemical Co. and Reichhold Inc., has begun operating in Durham's Research Triangle Park. The venture is comprised of the specialty latex businesses of Dow Chemical's Emulsion Polymers unit and Reichhold, a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Dianippon Ink and Chemicals Inc. Dow Reichhold Specialty Latex has access to a broad range of latex chemistries from both companies, the new firm said. The products will be used in a wide range of end use applications, including latex gloves, textile printing and construction applications. The joint venture employs 400 and has research, marketing and sales support in North America, Europe, Latin America and the Pacific. Dow Chemical and Reichhold officials said the new company will accelerate growth of their latex operations globally.