The Dow Chemical Company (NYSE: DOW) today announced the creation of 100 new, full-time jobs to support the development of its revolutionary DOW™ POWERHOUSE™ Solar Shingles at its facility in Midland, Michigan.
According to Dow Solar general manager, Jane Palmieri, this is the result of continued collaboration between Dow, the State of Michigan and the City of Midland to accelerate production of the DOW™ POWERHOUSE™ Solar Shingles, and create new, advanced manufacturing jobs that are helping make Michigan a "green tech" hub of the new U.S. economy.
"This represents a significant milestone towards bringing our DOW™ POWERHOUSE™ Solar Shingles to the market in 2011, and confirms that we are on track to deliver this pioneering new residential solar technology next year," said Palmieri. "It is also the first phase towards bringing more than 1,200 jobs to the region by 2014 to support the production of our solar product here in Midland."
The initial wave of solar-related jobs at Dow's Michigan Operations will be in manufacturing, with hiring of qualified candidates expected to begin as early as the end of September. The Company worked closely with union officials to develop the criteria for these positions, and ensure the right skills were in place to support the anticipated 2011 market demands.
"We see this as a winning situation for Dow, the union and the community," said Kent Holsing, President United Steelworkers, Local 12075. "We are always looking to work together with the company to bring more jobs to the region including skilled solar manufacturing jobs."
Earlier this year, the Company announced Midland had been identified as the preferred site for the first full-scale production facility for its revolutionary DOW™ POWERHOUSE™ Solar Shingle.
"We're excited to add these manufacturing jobs to our Michigan Operations facility to begin contributing to the local economic base immediately," said Earl Shipp, Dow vice president for Michigan Operations. "As Dow adds to its portfolio of building-related solar-energy-generating products, we'll continue to tap into the base of highly skilled workers we have right here in the Great Lakes Bay Region."
For more information about job requirements and qualifications, please visit www.dowcareers.com.
About DOW™ POWERHOUSE™
In 2007, Dow received $20 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Energy to focus on developing the next generation of residential solar solutions. In October, 2009, Dow Solar unveiled the DOW™ POWERHOUSE™ Solar Shingle as the first in a portfolio of building related solar energy generating products. Since its introduction, the Solar Shingle has been hailed as revolutionary, including being named one of the "50 Best Inventions of 2009" by TIME magazine.
The innovative product design provides an unprecedented integrated roof appearance and simplified installation. It combines a roofing shingle with a solar cell, enabling the DOW™ POWERHOUSE™ Solar Shingle to be installed by a roofer along with standard asphalt roofing materials. This makes the DOW™ POWERHOUSE™ Solar Shingle an easy choice for homeowners looking for a residential solar solution that is easy to install and aesthetically pleasing. Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) products from Dow Solar are evidence that Dow is focused on developing energy alternatives and expanding Dow's commitment to use chemistry to solve the world's energy challenges. More information about Dow Solar can be found at http://www.dowsolar.com/.
About Dow
Dow combines the power of science and technology with the “Human Element” to passionately innovate what is essential to human progress. The Company connects chemistry and innovation with the principles of sustainability to help address many of the world's most challenging problems such as the need for clean water, renewable energy generation and conservation, and increasing agricultural productivity. Dow's diversified industry-leading portfolio of specialty chemical, advanced materials, agrosciences and plastics businesses delivers a broad range of technology-based products and solutions to customers in approximately 160 countries and in high growth sectors such as electronics, water, energy, coatings and agriculture. In 2009, Dow had annual sales of $45 billion and employed approximately 52,000 people worldwide. The Company's more than 5,000 products are manufactured at 214 sites in 37 countries across the globe. References to "Dow" or the "Company" mean The Dow Chemical Company and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise expressly noted. More information about Dow can be found at www.dow.com.