Dow Chemical Company has announced plans to develop a cracker in Thailand

Dow Chemical Company has announced plans to develop a cracker in Thailand with the Siam Cement Public Company (SCC), the country’s largest conglomerate. The new propylene facility, which will be situated close to Dow’s complex at Map Ta Phut in Rayong province, is scheduled to come on stream in 2010.

“This project supports Dow’s strategic agenda on several fronts,” said Dow chairman and ceo Andrew Liveris. The deal strengthens the company’s presence in Asia Pacific, he said, and provides a platform for higher margin, “performance” business. Liveris also added the move was an example of Dow’s “asset light investment approach”, through which the company will grow its “basics” businesses with strategic partners.

This is the latest in a series of joint ventures between Dow and SCC. The first dates back to 1987, and subsequent ventures have led to the two companies producing polyols, synthetic latex, polystyrene, styrene monomer, and polyethylene.