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Dow Chemical Company

Dow Chemical Company is an American multinational chemicals company headquartered in Midland, Michigan.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Dow Chemical Company is an American multinational chemicals company headquartered in Midland, Michigan. It operates as a subsidiary of Dow Inc. and is one of the world's largest chemical producers, with operations in about 160 countries and roughly 36,000 employees worldwide.

History

Dow was founded in 1897 by Herbert Henry Dow in Midland, Michigan. Over time, it grew from its early chemical operations into a major global manufacturer and later became part of the Dow Inc. corporate structure.

Operations

Dow manufactures chemicals, plastics, and related materials for industrial and consumer uses. Its operations extend across roughly 160 countries, making it a major multinational supplier.

Corporate structure

The Dow Chemical Company is the operating subsidiary of Dow Inc., which is the publicly traded holding company. This structure reflects the modern corporate separation between the operating business and the parent company.

Scale and workforce

Recent sources describe Dow as one of the largest chemical producers globally. The company employed about 36,000 people worldwide in 2023, with significant activity in the United States and Canada.

Key facts

  • Dow is a multinational chemical manufacturer based in Midland, Michigan.
  • It is the operating subsidiary of Dow Inc., a publicly traded holding company.
  • The company was founded in 1897 by chemist Herbert Henry Dow.
  • Dow was among the three largest chemical producers in the world in 2021.
  • Its business includes chemicals, plastics, and sealants.
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Canadian context

Dow has operations and customers in Canada, and Canadian readers may encounter its products in packaging, infrastructure, mobility, and consumer goods supply chains.

Frequently asked questions

What is Dow Chemical Company?
It is an American multinational chemicals company headquartered in Midland, Michigan, and a subsidiary of Dow Inc.
Who founded Dow Chemical Company?
It was founded by chemist Herbert Henry Dow in 1897.
Where is Dow Chemical Company headquartered?
Its headquarters are in Midland, Michigan, United States.
What does Dow produce?
Dow produces chemicals, plastics, and sealants, and operates across multiple industrial and consumer markets.
How large is Dow?
Recent sources place it among the world’s largest chemical producers, with operations in about 160 countries and roughly 36,000 employees.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dow_Chemical_Company
    Supports: Founded in 1897; headquartered in Midland, Michigan; operating subsidiary of Dow Inc.; about 36,000 employees; presence in approximately 160 countries.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/money/Dow-Inc
    Supports: Dow Inc. formerly Dow Chemical Company; American chemical and plastics manufacturer; headquarters in Midland, Michigan.
  3. Statista — https://www.statista.com/topics/1505/dow-chemical/
    Supports: 2023 revenue, workforce size, global scale, business segments, and recent market capitalization.
  4. EBSCO — https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/business-and-management/dow-chemical-company
    Supports: Founded in 1897 by Herbert Henry Dow; product range; multinational operations; historical corporate development.