Robinson and McGuinness announce investment by the Dow Chemical Company

First Minister Rt. Hon. Peter D Robinson MLA and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness MP MLA, today announced that The Dow Chemical Company (NYSE:DOW) is to establish a Dow Design & Modify Supply Chain (D&MSC) Centre in Belfast, creating 25 new high quality jobs.

The new centre will help ensure that the company’s supply chain is optimally designed to respond to emerging social and economic trends and customer needs around the globe. It also reflects Dow’s commitment to leverage its Business Services expertise to drive more value to the market through Dow’s businesses and joint ventures as the company seeks to become a high-growth earnings company.

"Selecting Belfast as the location for the expansion of our global supply chain organization is a meaningful example of our commitment to strategic investments that support our long term business objectives while also enabling us to have a positive impact on region and community," said Andrew Liveris, Dow Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

Dow is one of the largest chemical companies in the world with annual sales of approximately $45billion in 2009 and over 52,000 employees worldwide.

Speaking in Washington in advance of the US-NI Economic Summit, where the announcement was made, First Minister Peter Robinson said: "In travelling to the US to reinforce the NI investment proposition, there can be no greater endorsement of our world class skills and knowledge base than an investment by a company of this calibre. 
 
Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said: "Generating almost £1million in salaries annually through the creation of 25 highly specialised posts. This investment proves beyond doubt that we can attract international companies, offering quality high end jobs, even in such challenging times, for the global economy."

"Offering salaries well above the NI private sector average, this is an investment which will deliver quality career opportunities to the people of Northern Ireland and result in a significant, welcome boost to the local economy."


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