The Dow Chemical Company yesterday announced it will acquire Zhejiang Omex Environmental Engineering Company Ltd (OEE) to move into systems manufacturing in China and further establish its place as the world leader in advanced components for water purification.

Although the terms of the agreement have not been disclosed, Dow claimed the acquisition of OEE will allow it to expand into three critical, enabling component technologies for water treatment: ultrafiltration, membrane bio-reactor membranes, and electrodeionization.

The acquisition will also see Dow participating in systems manufacturing in China.

"Dow is a leader in reverse osmosis membranes and ion exchange resins, and this further solidifies our position as a water solutions leader through additional innovative technologies," said Ian Barbour, general manager of Dow Water Solutions.

Barbour said the cooperation is critical to addressing one of the world's most pressing development and environmental challenges: the supply of clean water.

Dow's newly expanded portfolio will enhance its ability to provide solutions that support sustainable development goals by directly addressing the need for environmentally sustainable and cost-effective water treatment in China and elsewhere.

"With increasing demands and constraints on clean water supplies globally and in China, Dow is pleased to offer solutions that advance the cause of sustainable development and the effective management of water resources," Barbour said.

The acquisition of OEE, located in Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, enables Dow to further penetrate one of the fastest growing regions for water treatment components.

OEE has provided design engineering and installation for high-purity water facilities throughout China since 1995. It is one of China's premier water treatment and design companies, specializing in pure and ultra pure water applications.

Dow is the only global manufacturer of both membrane and ion exchange products. Both of these technologies separate dissolved minerals and organics from solutions, producing water that meets the most stringent water purity standards to achieve the highest quality water at a lower operating cost.

(China Daily June 30, 2006)