Dow Chemical 2009 Annual Report Download - page 31

Table of Contents
The Dow Chemical Company and Subsidiaries
PART I, Item 1. Business.
THE COMPANY
The Dow Chemical Company was incorporated in 1947 under Delaware law and is the successor to a Michigan corporation, of the same name, organized in
1897. Except as otherwise indicated by the context, the terms “Company” or “Dow” as used herein mean The Dow Chemical Company and its consolidated
subsidiaries. On April 1, 2009, the merger of Rohm and Haas Company (“Rohm and Haas”) with a subsidiary of the Company was completed, and Rohm
and Haas became a wholly owned subsidiary of Dow.
The Company is engaged in the manufacture and sale of chemicals, plastic materials, agricultural products and services, advanced materials and other
specialized products and services.
The Company’s principal executive offices are located at 2030 Dow Center, Midland, Michigan 48674, telephone [phone]. Its Internet website
address is www.dow.com. All of the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission are available free of charge through the Investor
Relations page on this website, immediately upon filing.
BUSINESS AND PRODUCTS
Corporate Profile
Dow combines the power of science and technology with the “Human Element” to passionately innovate what is essential to human progress. The Company
connects chemistry and innovation with the principles of sustainability to help address many of the world’s most challenging problems such as the need for
clean water, renewable energy generation and conservation, and increasing agricultural productivity. Dow’s diversified industry-leading portfolio of specialty
chemical, advanced materials, agrosciences and plastics businesses deliver a broad range of technology-based products and solutions to customers in
approximately 160 countries and in high growth sectors such as electronics, water, energy, coatings and agriculture. In 2009, Dow had annual sales of
$44.9 billion and employed approximately 52,000 people worldwide. The Company’s more than 5,000 products are manufactured at 214 sites in 37 countries
across the globe. The following descriptions of the Company’s eight operating segments include a representative listing of products for each business.
ELECTRONIC AND SPECIALTY MATERIALS
Applications: chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) pads and slurries • chemical processing and intermediates • electronic displays • food and
pharmaceutical processing and ingredients • printed circuit board materials • semiconductor packaging, connectors and industrial finishing • water
purification
Electronic Materials is a leading global supplier of materials for chemical mechanical planarization; materials used in the production of electronic
displays; products and technologies that drive leading edge semiconductor design; materials used in the fabrication of printed circuit boards; and
integrated metallization processes critical for interconnection, corrosion resistance, metal finishing and decorative applications. These enabling
materials are found in applications such as consumer electronics, flat panel displays and telecommunications.
·Products: ACuPLANE™ CMP slurries; AR™ antireflective coatings; AUROLECTROLESS™ immersion gold process; COPPER GLEAM™
acid copper plating products; DURAPOSIT™ electroless nickel process; ENLIGHT™ products for photovoltaic manufacturers; EPIC™
immersion photoresists; INTERVIA™ photodielectrics for advanced packaging; LITHOJET™ digital imaging processes; OPTOGRADE™
metalorganic precursors; VISIONPAD™ CMP pads
Specialty Materials is a portfolio of businesses characterized by a vast global footprint, a broad array of unique chemistries, multi-functional
ingredients and technology capabilities, combined with key positions in the pharmaceuticals, food, home and personal care, water and energy
production, and industrial specialty industries. These technology capabilities and market platforms enable the businesses to develop innovative
solutions that address modern societal needs for sufficient and clean water, air and energy, material preservation and improved health care, disease
prevention, nutrition and wellness. The businesses’ global footprint and geographic reach provide multiple opportunities for value growth. Specialty
Materials consists of five global businesses: Dow Water and Process Solutions, Dow Home and Personal Care, Dow Microbial Control, Dow Wolff
Cellulosics and Performance Materials.
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