Key decisions on the project are expected by the fourth quarter of 2008, and if approved, the new TDI capacity would come online in 2011. 

“With its sustained overall economic growth and robust chemical sector, Latin America is an important region for Dow. The proposed TDI expansion would continue to fuel the growth of Performance businesses like Dow Polyurethanes by enabling us to better meet the growing needs of our customers with a long-term, low-cost supply,” said Pat Dawson, business president, Dow Polyurethanes. “The TDI capacity expansion would enable us to support the growing manufacturing capabilities of our Latin American customers who need a reliable supply of this raw material to serve their local markets.”

Dow is the largest TDI producer in Latin America with production capacity of 60 kilotons per annum. Fueled by increased consumption of polyurethane products, demand for TDI in Latin America is expected to grow by approximately 1 to 2 percent above gross domestic product through 2015. TDI is a critical raw material that is combined with performance-based polyols to create flexible polyurethane foams for automotive, furniture and bedding applications.