Dow Corning acquires Brazilian silicon producer

Robert Hansen, Dow Corning executive VP and general manager of core products, said, "These acquisitions offer Dow Corning an even more efficient and stable supply of silicon metal." The transaction, valued at about $175 million, also includes a 49% interest in Globe Metallurgical Inc.'s silicon manufacturing operation in Alloy, WV, which will continue to operate as WVA Manufacturing LLC.

Dow Corning, owned equally by Dow Chemical Company and Corning Inc., relies on chemical grade silicon as an essential raw material in producing nearly all of its more than 7000 products for sectors including construction, personal care, life sciences, energy, automotive and electronics. More than half its sales now come from outside the U.S.