About Us

Pittsburg Operations is an integrated chemical manufacturing complex residing on 513 acres of land located in the greater San Francisco Bay Area. The site produces twelve products and intermediates, meeting the needs of Dow’s global customers in the carpet, paper, paint, personal care, and agricultural industries. Products manufactured include: Latex, used in paper coating and carpet backing applications, DOWICIL* antimicrobial, used in personal care products and paints, Vikane^® fumigant, which combats termite infestations, Lontrel^® broad leaf herbicide, and N-Serve^® nitrogen stabilizer, which increases fertilizer effectiveness. In addition, six intermediate agricultural products (herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides) are produced on site.

Employees working at Pittsburg Operations share a common purpose — to constantly improve what is essential to human progress by mastering science and technology. Together we try to balance our Sustainable Development through goals for economic success, environmental performance, and societal needs.

Fast Facts:

• The site celebrated its 67th year of operations in 2005. It was previously known as the Great Western Electrochemical Company when it merged with Dow in 1938. It was the first major manufacturing expansion beyond Dow’s Michigan Operations.
  
• Pittsburg Operations is the largest chemical facility on the West Coast, located along the San Joaquin River 40 miles Northeast of San Francisco.
  
• The site employs 330 employees and 130 contractors. Site employee payroll totaled $27.6 million in 2005; contractor payroll totaled $14.3 million.
  
• The Pittsburg site purchases $38.2 million in goods and services annually with local suppliers.
  
• Total production (pounds produced) in 2005: 372 million pounds.
  
• Dow purchased wetland property (471 acres) in 1989 for $11 million to provide the public with an environmental buffer. Since the acquisition, a team of employees and retirees restored the original 300+ acres of tidal wetland. They conduct ongoing restoration and education projects through the assistance of valued community partners.
  
• The site manufactures products and intermediates that contribute significant profitability to Dow AgroSciences.