Dow invests in CIS plant

is investing in the construction of a Russian plant for the production of Styrofoam extruded polystyrene insulation boards (XPS), thermal insulation products designed to increase the energy efficiency of homes and commercial buildings.

The plant, to be built in the village of Kryukovo, 57km from Moscow, will enable Dow's Building & Construction business to produce Styrofoam products for supply to central Russia as well as to customers in Belarus, Kazakhstan and Ukraine.

The decision makes Dow the first international XPS producer to invest in a Russian production facility.

XPS production is due to start in first half of 2006. When the plant is fully operational, Dow expects it to make a significant contribution to its annual production capacity.

Adriaan van Den Berge, Dow General Manager Russia, said: "This investment signals Dow's confidence in the region as an important marketplace for the future, and is in line with Dow's corporate strategy of future growth in

and CIS."