STADE, Germany - The Dow Chemical Co. (Dow) has increased its monopropylene glycol (MPG) capacity by 15 percent, an additional 35 kilotons per annum (KTA), in the Stade, Germany, plant after completion of an advanced energy improvement and technology optimization project.

"The investment in our Stade Propylene Glycol (PG) unit exemplifies Dow's commitment to innovative technology and continued growth in reliable, high-quality PG manufacturing to help meet our customers' evolving needs," said John Smith, Propylene Oxide/Propylene Glycols Global Business Director for Dow. "This capacity provides Dow with greater flexibility and reliability in meeting the demand growth of our strategic customers in Europe and across the globe."

The Stade expansion was completed in August 2010 during planned maintenance and raises the plant's propylene glycol nameplate capacity to approximately 270 KTA.

Dow is a global capacity leader in propylene oxide (PO) and PG manufacturing, with global PO capacity of over 2,000 KTA and global PG capacity of over 700 KTA. Dow has five global PG manufacturing facilities, including the Stade plant (which is one of the world's largest capacity plants), two facilities in North America, a facility in Brazil and another in Australia.