Letter from the Site Leader — John Sampson

This Public Report 2003 demonstrates that, in 2003 as in the years before, the Rhine Center was an important partner for the region. Our connection with the people and communities around our sites is particularly well highlighted in the year under review, as the Rhine Center celebrated its 10th anniversary. The anniversary was marked by lively dialogue with the public and numerous visits by guests from politics, industry and the community.

In 1993, the Rheinmünster site on the German side of the Rhine and the Drusenheim site on the French side of the Rhine together with Dow AgroSciences merged to form the cross-border Dow Rhine Center. The merger worked. It represents a successful fusion of cultures and mentalities, whilst maintaining the individual national characteristics. The project was supported by an open-minded administration on both sides of the Rhine and by committed employees who dared to try something new. The site has also benefited from the trust and cooperation of the neighboring communities, where many of our employees live. Today, around 940 people from 28 nations are working in a production, research, or business capacity at the Dow Rhine Center, which is the only one of its kind in European industry. As many commented during the anniversary, the Dow Rhine Center is truly "part of a united Europe."

The Rhine Center will continue to be a strategic location for Dow in the future, and we will continue to be a reliable partner for the region. We are committed to value added growth, ensuring environmental stewardship, and focusing on our social responsibilities. Let's join our efforts in this alliance for sustainable growth and development.

John Sampson
Rhine Center
Site Leader