MIDLAND, Mich., June 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Dow Corning has
announced that it will invest up to $13
million (USD) to expand its European capabilities to
innovate with silicon-based materials and technologies.
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The investment in a Solar Energy Exploration / Development
Center (SEED) includes two new buildings that will complement the
company's Business & Technology Center in Seneffe, Belgium. One building, a Synthesis Technology
Center for the European area, will house laboratories and chemists
focusing on innovations in silicon-based materials. The other, the
European Solar Solutions Application Center, will focus on
advancing the company's technology for use in photovoltaic
cells.
Construction is expected to begin later in 2010.
Staffed by scientists and, engineers, the Synthesis Technology
Center will be designed to support the exploration of new materials
and develop new innovative solutions in industries such as
construction, beauty and personal care, coating, plastics &
composites, automotive & tire, healthcare, and electronics. A
specific goal of the center is to shorten the innovation cycle to
turn market opportunities and new ideas into profitable solutions
for customers and for Dow Corning.
"This investment increases Dow Corning's innovation capabilities
in Belgium, allowing us to expand
our European research and innovation portfolio and continue to add
to our scientific and technical expertise," said Gregg Zank, Dow Corning senior vice president
and Chief Technology Officer. "The new facility will open new
possibilities for materials development and take our application
research to the next level, enabling closer collaboration to better
meet the needs of our customers."
In addition to the company's three current solar application
centers in the United States and
Korea, the European Solar Application Center will enable engineers
and scientists to work with customers to develop, evaluate, and
test silicon-based materials solutions used to make solar
cells.
"Europe has been a pioneer for
the solar industry and Dow Corning is excited to strengthen its
capabilities in the European Union, where many of our customers and
innovation collaborators in the scientific community are located,"
said Eric Peeters, Dow Corning
Business vice president Solar. "This investment confirms our
intention to be an active, eager partner with researchers,
producers and governments and demonstrates our commitment to help
solar become a competitive and sustainable energy option
globally."
Dow Corning Solar Solutions provides materials and services for
the entire photovoltaic supply chain, from silicon feedstock for
ingot and wafer production to solar module assembly materials. It
is leveraging its unique position and global leadership in the
silicon and silicone value chain to deliver solutions that will
make a difference in the photovoltaic industry and help
photovoltaic producers fulfill the mid- and long-term promises of
solar energy.
About Dow Corning
Dow Corning (www.dowcorning.com) provides performance-enhancing
solutions to serve the diverse needs of more than 25,000 customers
worldwide. A global leader in silicones, silicon-based technology
and innovation, Dow Corning offers more than 7,000 products and
services via the company's Dow Corning® and XIAMETER®
brands. Dow Corning is equally owned by The Dow Chemical Company
(NYSE: DOW) and Corning, Incorporated (NYSE: GLW). More than half
of Dow Corning's annual sales are outside the United States.
SOURCE Dow Corning