Press Release from Dow
http://www.dow.com/facilities/namerica/michigan/news/20030825a.htm
Dow AgroSciences to Launch New Rice Herbicide
Investing In Michigan Operations Provided
Many Incentives
Midland, MI - August 25, 2003
Dow AgroSciences LLC has selected Dow’s
Michigan Operations as the site for a $17 million project to manufacture
penoxsulam, a new sulfonamides-based
rice herbicide. Penoxsulam recently received Reduced Risk
Pesticide Status from the U.S. EPA and is scheduled to be launched
in 2005. It is a highly flexible molecule that can be used in
a variety of rice cultural practices around the globe to control
barnyard grass, the worst weed in rice, as well as a variety of
broadleaf and sedge weeds.
"Michigan Operations already manufactures corn and soybean
herbicides, so adding a rice herbicide is a growth opportunity
that is supported by proven capabilities to run complex chemistry
processes," explained John Tomke, vice president of operations
for Dow AgroSciences.
Rice is an important food source to over half of the world’s
population. There are more than 360 million acres of rice grown
in over 30 countries. Rice is fourth globally for herbicide expenditures
($1.1 billion) when compared to other major crops. The U.S. rice
herbicide market value is about 10 percent of global expenditures,
and there are more than three million acres of rice grown in Arkansas,
California, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas and Missouri. Major
exporters of rice include: Thailand, Vietnam, China and the United
States. Penoxsulam will be a new addition to Dow AgroSciences'
rice herbicide portfolio that includes Clincher* (cyhalofop-butyl),
Stam* (propanil), and Grandstand* R (triclopyr).
"The decision by Dow AgroSciences to make this investment
in Michigan Operations is the direct result of the performance
improvements made by the people on the site in the areas of EH&S,
costs and culture. This project is a testament to the work and
support of many people at the site and in the community,"
explained Gary Veurink, site leader for Michigan Operations.
"This project also shows the value of the work done in 2002
by the Midland Economic Development Council, the city of Midland
and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation to provide additional
economic incentives using the Brownfield designation for these
kinds of facilities."
The project includes modification and expansion of Dow AgroSciences’
facilities in Michigan Operations. Dow AgroSciences
has requested a Brownfield Designation from the Michigan Economic
Development Council, which is being brought before the Midland
City Council in late August. A Brownfield Designation would provide
$1 million in Single Business Tax Credit.
For a project to be considered for a Brownfield Designation,
the property must be functionally obsolete and used for commercial,
industrial, or residential purposes. A portion of 680 Building
under consideration for a Brownfield Designation was built in
1958 and is functionally obsolete.
Construction is expected to begin in September
2003, and will conclude by the fourth quarter 2004, with Penoxsulum
expected to be available in 2005. Approximately six jobs will
be retained with this project.
Dow is a leading science and technology company that provides
innovative chemical, plastic and agricultural products and services
to many essential consumer markets. With annual sales of $28 billion,
Dow serves customers in more than 170 countries and a wide range
of markets that are vital to human progress, including food, transportation,
health and medicine, personal and home care, and building and
construction, among others. Committed to the principles of Sustainable
Development, Dow and its approximately 50,000 employees seek to
balance economic, environmental and social responsibilities.
*Trademark of Dow AgroSciences LLC
For Editorial Information:
Holly LaRose-Roenicke
The Dow Chemical Company
989-636-9142
hmlarose-roenicke@dow.com
