The Dow Chemical Company, a leader in science and technology, will launch its new construction chemicals business at the 4th Annual Middle East Drymix Mortar Association (Medma) Conference, taking place in Dubai on November 25.

The conference is staged during Big 5, the region’s leading building and construction show.

Dow Construction Chemicals combines the capabilities of Rohm and Haas, acquired by Dow in 2009, and Dow Wolff Cellulosics, formed in 2007, to create a powerful business with deep and broad technology platforms and application know-how in acrylic dispersions, redispersible latex powder, and cellulosic technology.

The new business unit brings together the construction expertise of Rohm and Haas and Dow Wolff Cellulosics to offer in-depth technical knowledge and effective formulation development experience to manufacturers of building and construction products around the world, supported by dedicated facilities for Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

The construction industry in the Middle East is changing. Demand for high-performance, cost effective and more sustainable building products continues to increase as the sector adapts to meet the challenges of energy efficiency, economic constraints and demand for structures equipped for 21st century living.

“The combined resources and experience of Dow Wolff Cellulosics and Rohm and Haas puts Dow Construction Chemicals in a unique position to provide customers in the Middle East with responsive technical support, unrivaled construction application expertise, and manufacturing and distribution excellence,” said Christoph Sikora, global general manager for Dow Construction Chemicals.

The business’s portfolio - encompassing cellulosic and redispersable latex powder and latex dispersion chemistry - provides a wider range of technological options for those looking to develop building product formulations. With Dow’s newly created business unit, manufacturers of cement-/gypsum-based and other building products have efficient access to decades of development work, formulation and application experience now available within one, industry dedicated team.

With a portfolio of established brands such as Walocel and Methocel Cellulose Ethers, Dow Latex Powders, or Primal Aqueous Acrylic Polymer Emulsions, Dow Construction Chemicals is a leading supplier to construction product formulators around the world.

Among others, key applications served include ceramic tile adhesives, cement renders, external thermal insulation systems (ETICS), gypsum plasters and tape joint compounds, concrete, water proofing, elastomeric roof coating, coating of roof tiles and siding, as well as insulation applications and industrial non-wovens.

Dow Construction Chemicals has three laboratories in Europe serving the European, Middle Eastern and African regions, along with ten strategically placed production plants and about 100 dedicated professionals to support technical queries and purchasing requirements.-TradeArabia News Service