Dow Chemical, founded in 1897 by Herbert Henry Dow, evolved from a small Midland-based bromine extraction company into a global chemical giant through innovations in chlor-alkali, plastics, and agricultural chemicals. Its history features major mergers (with Union Carbide, Rohm and Haas) and a 2017 merger with DuPont to form DowDuPont, later split into three independent companies.
Herbert Henry Dow incorporates The Dow Chemical Company in Midland, Michigan, to commercially exploit his bromine extraction process from brine. #chemistry #history
Dow builds its first chlorine plant in Midland, using electrolytic cells to produce chlorine and caustic soda, becoming a leading US producer. #chemistry #industry
During World War I, Dow expands to produce magnesium from brine, becoming a major supplier for military flares and aircraft. #war #industry
Dow partners with Japanese firm to form Kureha Chemical, marking early international expansion into Asia. #global #business
Herbert Dow dies; leadership passes to son-in-law Willard H. Dow, who continues expansion into plastics and agricultural chemicals. #leadership #history
Dowell Incorporated is formed to provide chemical services for oil and gas well stimulation, later a key segment. #oil #gas
During WWII, Dow starts large-scale styrene production for synthetic rubber, a critical wartime material. #war #chemistry
Dow introduces Saran (polyvinylidene chloride) film for military use; later marketed as Saran Wrap for food storage. #innovation #plastics
Dow establishes Dow Chemical Europe AG in Switzerland to coordinate European operations, reflecting post-war global growth. #global #business
Dow begins commercial production of low-density polyethylene, a major breakthrough in plastics. #plastics #innovation
Dow builds its own nuclear reactor for research and power, but later sells it due to changing regulations. #energy #science
Dow begins manufacturing the herbicide Agent Orange for the U.S. military, later facing lawsuits and controversy over dioxin contamination. #war #controversy
Dow's agricultural division launches marketing for methionine feed additive, boosting poultry industry efficiency. #agriculture #marketing
Dow starts up a massive ethylene plant in Texas, solidifying its top position in petrochemicals. #petrochemicals #scale
Dow acquires Richardson-Merrell's pharmaceutical division, entering the drug industry. #pharmaceuticals #acquisition
Dow's insecticide Dursban (chlorpyrifos) receives EPA registration; later subject to restrictions due to health concerns. #agriculture #regulation
Dow purchases the biomedical company Repligen, expanding into life sciences. #biotech #acquisition
Dow sells its Midland nuclear plant to Consumers Energy, exiting the nuclear power business. #energy #divestiture
A gas leak at Union Carbide's Bhopal plant kills thousands; Dow later acquires Union Carbide in 2001, inheriting legal liabilities. #disaster #liability
Dow launches STYROFOAM extruded polystyrene foam insulation, becoming a leading building material. #construction #innovation
Dow purchases Quimica Industrial from Brazil, expanding Latin American presence. #global #acquisition
Dow launches high-performance liquid epoxy resins for electronics and aerospace. #materials #electronics
Dow spins off Merrell Dow pharmaceuticals, refocusing on core chemicals. #pharmaceuticals #divestiture
Dow purchases Bostik, a specialty adhesives company, strengthening its portfolio in adhesives and sealants. #acquisition #specialty
Dow and Union Carbide announce a $9.3 billion merger, creating the world's second-largest chemical company, completed in 2001. #merger #industry
Dow Chemical finalizes its acquisition of Union Carbide, inheriting Bhopal liabilities but gaining scale. #merger #liability
Dow sells its Dowell oilfield services business to Schlumberger, exiting upstream services. #oil #gas #divestiture )
Dow buys Kelco from CP Kelco, adding xanthan gum and other biopolymers for food and industrial uses. #food #biotech
Dow announces acquisition of specialty chemicals maker Rohm and Haas, finalized in 2009 after a legal dispute. #acquisition #specialty
Dow Chemical completes its $15.3 billion purchase of Rohm and Haas after a contentious battle, significantly expanding its specialty chemicals portfolio. #acquisition #specialty
Dow and Saudi Aramco form Sadara Chemical, a $20 billion joint venture to build a world-scale petrochemical complex. #jointventure #global
Dow announces plans to build ethylene crackers in the US Gulf Coast, capitalizing on cheap shale gas. #energy #investment
Dow sells its polypropylene licensing and catalyst business to W.R. Grace, streamlining its portfolio. #divestiture #plastics
Dow and DuPont agree to merge in a $130 billion deal, forming DowDuPont, later to be split into three companies. #merger #conglomerate
Dow Chemical and DuPont complete their merger, creating DowDuPont Inc., the world's largest chemical company by sales. #merger #industry
DowDuPont spins off its materials science division as Dow Inc., returning to a standalone publicly traded company. #spin-off #corporate
Dow announces layoffs and temporary plant shutdowns due to pandemic demand collapse, part of cost-cutting measures. #crisis #pandemic
Dow announces plans to produce circular plastics from recycled waste, aiming for 100% recyclable products by 2035. #sustainability #plastics
Dow acquires the polyurethane systems business of Tredi, expanding in construction and coatings. #acquisition #polyurethane
Dow Inc. reports record annual sales driven by strong demand for packaging and industrial products. #financial #growth