Dow to invest $100m in specialty silicones by 2027

Chemicals giant Dow has unveiled plans to pump $100 million into expanding its global specialty silicones manufacturing and innovation footprint across the US, China, and Japan by the end of 2027. The investment targets increased production capacity for liquid silicone rubber (LSR) and engineered silicone materials, with new lines coming online in Carrollton, Kentucky, and Zhangjiagang, China, by 2027. Additional capacity expansions are scheduled for Songjiang and Fukui this year, followed by Auburn, Michigan, and Zhangjiagang in 2027. Dow’s engineered silicones are critical for advanced electronics applications, including power electronics, semiconductor packaging, and thermal/electrical protection. The company also expanded its ‘Cooling Science Labs’ in Shanghai earlier this year and in Midland, Michigan, in June to accelerate next-gen thermal management technologies. Brendy Lange, president of Performance Materials & Coatings, emphasized the move aligns with growing demand in mobility, electronics, and healthcare sectors, where performance, supply reliability, and technical capabilities are paramount. The projects follow Dow’s 2024 investor day announcements, with timelines adjusted to reflect evolving market demand and affordability factors. The investments aim to bolster regional, local-for-local manufacturing, improving supply reliability and shortening time-to-market for customers.