Dow Corning has launched its regional headquarters and commercial entity in Bahrain, in a major push to promote its Middle East operations.

A global leader in silicon-based materials development and manufacturing, Dow Corning will provide silicon-based solutions to the region’s textiles, petrochemicals and oil and gas industries.
 
Dow Corning will use Bahrain’s strategic location to strengthen its Middle East presence and develop key partnerships to promote its products, besides building local know-how.
 
The US-based multinational corporation is also seeking tie-up opportunities with academic institutions, governments and research organisations that are focused on product innovations and processes that are environmentally sustainable and will increase performance efficiency.

Though the Bahrain office located in the Seef Area is the company’s first regional address, Dow Corning has been active in the Middle East for many years. The Bahrain venture is the latest after Russia and Vietnam in the company’s ambitious expansion programme.

The Bahrain office will house experts with diverse knowledge in silicon-based technology. The team, comprising engineers, chemists and sales professionals, will grow to 20 within this year, according to the company.

Industry and Commerce Minister Dr Hassan Fakhro, who inaugurated the new headquarters, pledged the government’s full support to the company’s endeavour. The launch was attended by top officials and senior Dow representatives from around the world.

Jean-Paul Mollie, Dow Corning’s president of Middle East, South Asia  and Africa, said the company aims to drive business forward through both  Dow Corning and Xiameter brands.

“With special challenges of high temperatures, sand and wind, there will be no end to the various uses silicon can be put to in this area. The potential is yet to be realised.”

Alan Collins, regional manager, gave a presentation of the various silicon-based applications and uses in diverse industries, while explaining how the region could benefit from this multi-faceted technology.

Stephanie A Burns, Dow Corning’s chairman, president and CEO, said: “The Middle East is growing rapidly and quickly diversifying its business footprint.”

“We recognise the region’s growing impact on the global economy and are now better positioned to share the benefits of the company’s silicon-based materials and technology to help the region continue to grow and compete in the global economy over long-term.”

The applications of silicon-based materials are diverse and used in nearly every industry. This technology is used in making sealants and adhesives, in the construction of roads, buildings and infrastructure, textile manufacturing. In oil and gas industry these materials help on and off-shore drillers cut costs, increase reliability and boost output. – TradeArabia News Service