Dow Biocides on Monday announced it would increase its U.S. production capacity for glutaraldehyde by 60 percent as of January 2009, when it expects the new capacity to be online and operational.
An Institute, W. Va. site managed by Dow subsidiary Union Carbide Corp. produces Dow Biocides glutaraldehyde. Dow Biocides general manager Mark Henning said Dow is investing in the United States because of the availability of critical raw and intermediate materials. In addition to making incremental expansions at the existing Dow asset, we are also investing in breakthrough process technology, to keep capital costs low and execute the expansion quickly and efficiently, Henning said.
Dow Biocides spokeswoman Stephanie Peterson told Lube Report there are no new buildings or facilities involved in the capacity increase. All improvements are within the existing assets, Peterson said.
In addition to being non-corrosive to metal surfaces, glutaraldehyde is one of the few biocides readily biodegradable in accordance with OECD 301A and 306 guidelines, the company said.
Dows glutaraldehyde products include Uconex antimicrobials, which are registered for use in metalworking fluids; Ucarcide antimicrobial and preservatives; Aqucar water treatment biocides; and products sold under the Glutex, Ucarscan and Zoldine brands. Dow also offers glutaraldehyde products under at least 100 sub-registrations as customer branded products.
We anticipate growth in most geographies due to the multi-application use of glutaraldehyde, said Henning. We are now expanding our production capability to ensure we are well positioned to reliably meet our customers growing supply requirements.
The increased capacity supports the future growth plans of Dows Performance businesses, which includes Dow Biocides. It will also provide key enabling technology for several of Dows market facing businesses. This capacity increase will allow the MFBs – such as Oil and Gas, and Paints and Coatings – to increase product offerings within certain market areas, Peterson said.