"If we can't do better, why do it?" With an innovative spirit focused on excellence, Herbert H. Dow founded The Dow Chemical Company in 1897 in Midland, Michigan, where the global headquarters is still located. In over a century of existence, we have expanded our company operations to every continent and we are one of the most profitable chemical companies in the world today.
Dow's history in Brazil started in 1956, when we opened our first sales offices in São Paulo. Since then, we have expanded our product portfolio and activities to over 25 locations within the country.
A Timeline for Dow's History in Brazil
1950s
| 1956 |
Dow opens its first sales office in Latin America located in São Paulo, Brazil |
1960s
| 1964 |
Acquisition of equity control of Lepetit Labs |
| 1965 |
The marine terminal in Guarujá (SP) is opened, starting the industrial complex of Guarujá |
| 1968 |
Salvador (BA) sales office is opened |
1970s
| 1972 |
Dow discovers deposits of salt in Matarandiba Island (BA) |
| 1973 |
Dow Brazil launches a polystyrene facility in Guarujá (SP) |
| 1976 |
Marine terminals are established in Itajaí (SC) and Cabo Frio (RJ) |
| 1977 |
Dow opens the industrial complex of Aratu in Candeias (BA), with the production of caustic soda, propylene oxide and propylene glycol, among other chemicals |
1980s
| 1981 |
Dow launches its largest Research and Development Center in the Southern Hemisphere in Franco da Rocha (SP) |
| 1986 |
Dow AgroSciences begins the operations of a new experimental station – Product for Agriculture – in Mogi-Mirim (SP) |
| 1987 |
Dow establishes its new administrative headquarters in Latin America in São Paulo (SP) |
| 1989 |
Dow AgroSciences begins the activities in a joint venture with the Eli Lilly. |
1990s
| 1996 |
Dow purchases Estireno do Nordeste (EDN) and becomes Latin America’s largest producer of polystyrene |
| 1996 |
Dow makes it to the prestigious Guide of 150 Best Companies for You to Work in Brazil, compiled by Exame magazine. |
| 1997 |
The Dow Chemical Company acquires 100 percent of DowElanco and the new subsidiary is named Dow AgroSciences in 1998 |
| 1998 |
Dow starts the operations of the Pindamonhangaba (SP) plant. This is the first plant in Latin America to produce polyurethane adhesives for the bonding of automobile glass. |
| 1998 |
The Dow Chemical Company acquires Mycogen Seeds, which is integrated to Dow AgroSciences |
| 1998 |
Dow acquires Isopol/Pronor, the TDI factory at the petrochemical unit of Camaçari (BA) |
2000s
| 2000 |
Dow AgroSciences acquires the Brazilian company EBS/Zeneca for seeds |
| 2001 |
Dow is integrated to the Ford industrial complex in Camaçari (BA), originating Dopec Indústria e Comércio, responsible for the injection and painting of plastic parts used by Ford |
| 2001 |
Dow acquires Rohm and Haas’ agricultural products portfolio, and announces the construction of a Dow Automotive factory in Camaçari (BA) |
| 2001 |
Dow Brazil partners with the main representative organizations of the chemical, transportation and distribution segments, beginning a national program for the prevention of road accidents. The campaign is named “Olho Vivo na Estrada” (Opened Eyes on the Road). |
| 2001 |
Approval of the merger between Dow and Union Carbide |
| 2002 |
Establishment of the social environmental project “Clean Mangrove” in Guarujá (SP) |
| 2003 |
The company names Dow Brasil S.A. and Dow Brasil Nordeste Ltda.; both are adopted in São Paulo and Bahia, respectively |
| 2006 |
The social environmental initiative “Ambassadors of the Environment” is started in Guarujá (SP) in partnership with the Ocean Future Society |
| 2007 |
Dow AgroSciences acquires the corn division of Agromen, advancing in the market for hybrid seeds of maize in Brazil |
| 2009 |
Dow Completes the acquisition of Rohm and Haas, creating a leading global specialty chemicals and advanced materials company |
| 2009 |
Dow Brazil recognized for its diversity, as it was certified as one of the 20 companies that will receive the first-ever Sao Paulo State Government Diversity Certification "Selo Paulista de Diversidade” |
| 2009 |
Dow Brazil event celebrates Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), with approximately 4,000 people attending a free concert, “A Show of Solidarity,” organized by Dow at Ibirapeura Park, one the most famous venues in São Paulo, Brazil |
2010s
| 2010 |
Dow becomes "The official chemical company of the Olympic Games until 2020" |
| 2011 |
Dow opens the Rio de Janeiro office and a Development Center for Plastic and Thermosets in Jundiaí, São Paulo State |
