Bryanston, South Africa - September 17, 2009
The Dow Chemical Company, a leading science and technology company, today begins its celebration in honor of its 50th anniversary in the South African market. By connecting chemistry and innovation with the principles of sustainability, Dow produces and distributes chemical products into a wide range of markets including food processing, personal care, paint and coatings, industrial, building, agriculture, paper & packaging and mining.
Dow’s journey into the South African market commenced with the opening of a sales office in Johannesburg in 1959 and today the Company is a significant local industry player with an annual turnover of R1,4 billion. From a single entry point, Dow presently employs more than 200 people based in eight locations spread over five of South Africa’s provinces.
Significant milestones in its South African presence are:
- The 1997 R6 billion acquisition of Sentrachem’s entire shareholding,
- The R700 million chrome chemical 50:50 joint venture between Dow and Bayer which officially opened in Newcastle in 1999,
- The acquisition of Rohm and Haas (ROH) in April 2009.
South Africa represents the second-largest market and the second-largest sales country for Dow in the India, Middle East and Africa (IMEA) region after India. Over the last 10 years, Dow has invested over R100 million in plant improvements throughout South Africa.
Sazi Lutseke, managing director, Dow Southern Africa, confirmed Dow’s ongoing commitment to South Africa. “Our focus is to enhance our contribution to the industry not just through the provision of world-class products and technologies that are essential to human progress, but through our commitment to sustainability,” said Lutseke.
On the occasion of its 50th anniversary, Dow is launching its “Human Element” advertising campaign. The Human Element philosophy encapsulates Dow’s inherent interest in enabling a better quality of life for all human beings, a showcase of the company’s commitment to addressing global economic, social and environmental concerns.
The acquisition of Rohm and Haas this year propelled Dow’s ranking as the largest specialty chemicals and advanced materials company in the world. This was reflected locally by Dow’s acquisition of the ROH site in New Germany, KwaZulu Natal. The site is now part of the newly formed Dow Advanced Materials division which adds value to Dow’s local portfolio through innovative and technologically advanced products. Other than Dow’s Basic Chemicals offerings, two of its market-facing businesses in the country, Dow AgroSciences and Dow Automotive have also contributed to the growth and success of the Company in the local market.
Dow’s 2015 Sustainability Goals – linked to the United Nation’s Millennium Development Goals – reach beyond the company’s borders to focus on reducing Dow’s global footprint, improving product stewardship and directing the power of innovation to help solve the world’s challenges.
“Dow’s commitment to being an engaged corporate citizen can be seen in the way we manage our operations with the utmost responsibility to our business partners, their employees and the communities in which they operate. Certainly, without the unwavering support and loyalty of our staff, customer and suppliers, we would not be in the position to celebrate 50 years in South Africa and we will also not be able to improve on our success going into the next 50 years. It’s all about people,” added Lutseke.
About Dow
For Editorial Information:
Doritha Erwee
The Dow Chemical Company
27 11 575 1547
