Dow Corning

Dow Corning. It was a global leader in the development and manufacturing of silicone and silicon-based technology, founded as a joint venture between two major American corporations. For over seven decades, the company pioneered materials that became critical to countless industries, from electronics and construction to healthcare and personal care. Its history is marked by significant innovation, complex corporate evolution, and notable legal challenges related to its product safety.

History

The company was established in 1943 through a partnership between Corning Incorporated, known for its glass expertise, and Dow Chemical Company, a giant in industrial chemistry, aiming to capitalize on the potential of silicone polymers. Early research, heavily supported by contracts from the United States government during World War II, focused on critical applications like sealing ignition systems for military aircraft and insulating components. Post-war, it expanded rapidly, opening its first dedicated manufacturing facility in Midland, Michigan, and later establishing a major presence in Carrollton, Kentucky. Throughout the latter half of the 20th century, it became a dominant force, forming international subsidiaries like Dow Corning Limited in the United Kingdom and navigating periods of restructuring, including the creation of the Hemlock Semiconductor joint venture. Its independent corporate history concluded in 2016 when it was fully acquired by Dow Chemical Company, prior to the merger that formed DowDuPont.

Products and technologies

Its portfolio was built on organosilicon chemistry, producing thousands of formulated products including silicone elastomers, silicone resins, silicone fluids, and silane coupling agents. These materials were essential in manufacturing semiconductors and insulating photovoltaic cells for the solar energy industry. In healthcare, its silicone gel and silicone rubber were used in medical devices such as catheters, tubing, and pacemaker components. The construction industry utilized its sealants and adhesives for weatherproofing, while the automotive industry relied on its products for gaskets and lubricants. It also supplied materials to major corporations like Procter & Gamble for consumer goods and developed specialty materials for the Aerospace industry under stringent performance standards.

Corporate structure and operations

As a joint venture, it operated with shared ownership, with Corning Incorporated and Dow Chemical Company each holding significant stakes, a structure that persisted for most of its existence. Its global operations were managed through regional entities such as Dow Corning Europe and Dow Corning Asia, with major manufacturing and R&D centers located in Midland, Michigan, Carrollton, Kentucky, and Barry, Wales. The company also participated in several strategic joint ventures, most notably Hemlock Semiconductor, a leader in polycrystalline silicon production, in partnership with Shin-Etsu Handotai and Mitsubishi Materials. Following its acquisition, its operations were integrated into the Performance Materials & Chemicals segment of Dow Chemical Company.

Controversies and legal issues

The company became the central defendant in massive litigation concerning its Dow Corning breast implants, with thousands of plaintiffs alleging that leaking silicone gel caused autoimmune diseases and other systemic injuries. This led to a landmark class-action settlement and, in 1995, the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection to manage the liabilities. Although major studies, including some by the Institute of Medicine and the Food and Drug Administration, later found no definitive link to major diseases, the controversy severely damaged its reputation. Separate legal issues involved allegations of price-fixing in the silicone market, resulting in investigations by the European Commission and settlements with the United States Department of Justice.

Environmental and safety record

Its operations faced scrutiny from regulatory bodies including the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration concerning emissions and workplace safety. The company invested in initiatives to reduce volatile organic compound releases and improve waste management at sites like its Midland, Michigan facility. It also participated in industry groups such as the American Chemistry Council and adhered to its Responsible Care program. However, it faced criticism from environmental organizations like the Environmental Defense Fund regarding the environmental persistence of some siloxane compounds and was involved in remediation efforts related to historical dioxin contamination in Michigan linked to its corporate parent.

Category:Chemical companies of the United States Category:Companies based in Michigan Category:Defunct manufacturing companies of the United States