Mumbai - October 06, 2009
Adding to its investment in research & development (R&D) in the Asia Pacific and Middle East regions, Dow recently announced plans to enhance their partnership by establishing the 'Dow Middle East R&D Center' at KAUST's adjacent Research Park and Innovation Cluster facility in Saudi Arabia. This is the third R&D investment in the Asia Pacific and Middle East regions since the announcement of the company's planned research facility in India.
"Investment in R&D is the key to rapidly expanding markets in this part of the world. Dow's R&D investment in these regions will boost innovation and customized solutions which are inevitable to the success of adapting global products and solutions to meet local needs, It is remarkable to see the pace at which this Dow investment in Saudi Arabia has gone from concept to reality" said Ramesh Ramachandran, president and CEO, Dow India. "India as a developing economy needs to look at R&D investments more seriously in order to sustain its growth momentum over the next couple of decades."
In June 2009, Dow announced its intent to enter into a strategic relationship with KAUST in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) with the intention to establish a multi-year, multi-million dollar joint research framework with KAUST initially aimed at using catalysis as a means to develop new routes for producing chemical derivatives.
On September 23, 2009, the day KAUST facility was inaugurated; Dow announced its agreement with KAUST to set up the state-of-the-art R&D Center in Saudi Arabia. The center is expected to be completed by the end of 2010. Initial research at the Dow Middle East R&D Center at KAUST will focus on water and water treatment technologies, eventually expanding its scope to oil and gas, processes research and development, and infrastructure materials.
The R&D Center will also financially and intellectually support a number of dynamic programs and initiatives, including funding thesis research and semi-annual technology research challenges, as well as the Dow Talent Program to develop and train Saudi talent.
Earlier this year (June), Dow announced the opening of the Shanghai Dow Center, a global business and innovation hub for Asia Pacific. The center spreads across 100,000 square meters, and is powered by an R&D engine which will include more than 500 engineers and scientists working in 80 laboratories. The center develops innovative solutions for the construction, transportation, energy, water, electronics and personal care industries. In addition, the center brings under one roof corporate R&D expertise with its market-focused application development capabilities - an integration that delivers products and solutions that cut across markets, technologies and molecules, and an arrangement that is a first for Dow. The facility also features a unique Customer Innovation Center (CIC), enabling Dow to work side by side with customers to turn market opportunities and new ideas into profitable solutions.
About Dow India
Dow Chemical International Private Limited (Dow India) is committed to consistent growth through its expertise as a science and technology leader, its experience as a leading chemical company, and its engagement with the communities in which it operates. With more than 1100 employees, in 12 locations across the country, Dow India has established three Centers of Excellence in the areas of Engineering (Chennai), Research & Development (Pune) and Transactional Services and Expertise (Mumbai) as well as three manufacturing sites and a variety of commercial offices. As a responsible corporate citizen, Dow India provides free artificial limbs and technology development for the 'Jaipur Foot' initiative; built homes through the 'Habitat for Humanity' Jimmy Carter Work Project, and is actively working in collaboration with the Byrraju and Anarde Foundation to supply clean drinking water to villages in India. Further information can be found at www.dow-india.com
For Editorial Information:
Roysten D’Mello
Dow India
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