Dow Announces Emergency Aid and Rebuilding Support in Response to Japanese Earthquake and Tsunami

MIDLAND, Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Dow Chemical Company (NYSE: DOW) announced today the Company will make a donation of up to $6 million in humanitarian aid in response the earthquake and subsequent tsunami that struck Japan March 11.

“It’s clear that the need for assistance is paramount in Japan, so we hope our contributions can help expedite emergency response and the country’s efforts to rebuild.”

The Company will donate $2 million to the City of Soma Community Rescue Fund; up to $3 million to the Soma region in Dow product, technology and financial resources for long-term rebuilding; and is developing a plan to offer employees a matching grant opportunity of up to $1 million.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Japan, including our Dow family, communities and partners, who are coping with the aftermath of last week’s devastating earthquake and tsunami,” said Andrew Liveris, Dow chairman and CEO. “It’s clear that the need for assistance is paramount in Japan, so we hope our contributions can help expedite emergency response and the country’s efforts to rebuild.”

About Dow

Dow (NYSE: 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 2010, Dow had annual sales of $53.7 billion and employed approximately 50,000 people worldwide. The Company’s more than 5,000 products are manufactured at 188 sites in 35 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.