By Liz White, UT staffMidland, Michigan-Dow Chemical Co. is evaluating sites in Asia Pacific for a new production facility for its propylene oxide-based glycol ethers. A new plant is needed to meet the growing demand in the region for these materials, used, for example, as solvents for polyurethane and other resins in automotive coatings. The company said the new plant will be similar in size to its facility in Stade, Germany. It will also incorporate recent technology advancements and give customers in Asia Pacific local supply of high-quality P-Series glycol ethers, a Dow statement said. "Dow is the world's largest producer of glycol ethers" said Ted Cosse, vice president, Acrylics, Solvents & Intermediates, adding in the company statement that the firm is committed to providing capacity for customers "where they need it most. We are moving very quickly on this project."Martin Sutcliffe, business director, Glycol Ethers, pointed out that Dow has "accelerated our plans to build a Pacific Dowanol PM glycol ethers plant. Growth in demand for P-Series glycol ethers in Asia Pacific comes from its use as a solvent in the electronics market, as well as in paints and coatings, said Tom Ohara, Asia Pacific marketing director, Solvents. "
