MIDLAND, Mich. – Dow Automotive Systems, a business unit of The Dow Chemical Co., announced it is advancing its commitment to sustainability by securing renewable bio-based fuel to power three primary manufacturing plants located in Midland, Mich.
 
Dow Automotive Systems manufactures BETAMATE structural adhesives, BETASEAL glass bonding systems and Dow Brake Fluids at facilities that will be powered by bio fuel within the Michigan Operations facilities at Dow headquarters in Midland. The products from these facilities are supplied to customers in North America.
 
Beginning in 2013, Dow will source clean power from biofuel for its automotive systems plants in Michigan, reducing annual energy usage by up to 1.5 megawatts per year or the equivalent of nearly 93,000 MM BTU of natural gas. The use of clean power coupled with the energy savings also will reduce carbon dioxide emissions from the manufacturing units by nearly 8,000 metric tons per year, or the equivalent annual greenhouse gas emissions from approximately 1,600 passenger vehicles, according to the company.
 
As these three plants continue to demonstrate the value of sustainable manufacturing, Dow Automotive Systems says it will work with customers to evaluate additional opportunities worldwide.
 
“Sustainability goals should always include manufacturing,” said Steve Henderson, general manager of Dow Automotive Systems. “Certainly our products support customer sustainability goals related to weight savings, which bolsters fuel savings and ultimately cleaner air. Now the manufacturing process also provides substantial benefits that are generating customer interest.”
 
“Working closely with customers to help achieve key milestones like weight savings enables our engineers to develop products that address global industry objectives,” Henderson added. “In addition to weight savings, our materials also help improve vehicle durability, passenger comfort and improve manufacturing efficiencies.”