FilmTec Corp., a subsidiary of The Dow Chemical Co., announced the successful start-up of its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Edina, Minn. This expansion provides increased capacity and improved product performance of FILMTEC reverse osmosis (RO) membranes to meet growing demand.
“We continue to see rising demand from our global RO customers, particularly in the industrial and municipal segments,” said Karen Dobson, global market manager, FILMTEC membranes. “We are proud of our on-track completion of this project, and our new capabilities in terms of capacity, product quality and process technologies that allow us to support this growth more efficiently.”
The expansion has progressed on track since construction began in 2004, with partial production underway since early 2006. Minnesota was chosen for the expansion after a rigorous process that looked at various locations around the world.
“The Minneapolis area provides an excellent business environment and strong workforce that enables us to successfully compete in this global economy,” said Ian Barbour, Dow Water Solutions general manager and FilmTec Corp. CEO.
The expanded facility operates with leading-edge process and manufacturing technology and provides more than double the production capacity of FilmTec’s existing plant. It contains additional membrane lines and new fabrication cells, adding a higher degree of automation to FilmTec’s already automated production capabilities.
“Our level of automation at the plant is second to none, and along with process innovations and integrated quality systems, we are able to offer a more consistent, higher performing product,” Dobson said.
Investment in the FilmTec facility is consistent with the company’s commitment to improving the cost performance of membrane technology, while enhancing value for the customer.
“As the water treatment market continues to grow, we will continue to invest in our target segments and utilize our expertise in component manufacturing and application to reduce system life-cycle costs and improve functionality in purifying water,” Dobson said.
Source: Dow Chemical Co.
