Dow Chemical to expand Phl product line

MANILA, Philippines - Dow Chemical Pacific Ltd. is planning to expand its product line in the Philippines as it sees opportunities in the renewable energy and construction sectors.

Dow country manager for the Philippines Roberto Batungbacal said the company intends to offer more products to cater to the growing demand in the renewable energy and construction sectors.

“We hope to expand products as the renewable energy sector grows here. We look forward to innovations. In the Philippines, we have so many innovative customers,” he said.

As for construction, he said there is opportunity to introduce products particularly for insulation.

 “There is a lot of technology that can still be used here particularly for insulation,” he said.

Dow Philippines is the company’s first office in Southeast Asia.

The firm which opened its office in Manila in 1964, currently sells over 450 products in the country.

Most of the firm’s products are imported, while products under the coating, construction and adhesive units are made at its plant in Las Piñas City.

Batungbacal said that while the plant in Las Piñas hit its full capacity this year, there are no plans for expansion or to look for new sites yet.

We are seeing steady growth in the past three years. We see encouraging signs but investments are serious considerations and normally we look at medium and long-term opportunities,” he said.

Even as there are no plans to expand the existing plant or build new facilities in the country, he said the firm intends to increase its workforce.

“We are on hiring mode…We will revisit after school graduation,” he said.

The firm currently employs 100 workers in the Philippines.

Headquartered in Michigan, US, the Dow Chemical Co. delivers a broad range of technology-based products and solutions to customers in approximately 180 countries and in high-growth sectors such as packaging, electronics, water, coatings and agriculture.