Dow Building Solutions Announces Price Increases To Address Impact of Extraordinary Hydrocarbon And Energy Costs

Midland, MI - June 05, 2008

Dow Building Solutions announced today that due to continuing and unprecedented increases in energy, feedstocks, raw materials, and transportation costs, it will increase prices in the U.S. and Canada by up to an additional 10 percent for all product lines. 

“The price of oil has risen drastically over the past year - 80 percent - and natural gas prices have increased by 40 percent. The building materials industry, like many other Dow businesses, is feeling the pain of this phenomenon at many levels,” said Torsten Kraef, president and general manager for Dow Building Solutions. “Transportation costs have been drastically affected by the rising price of fuel. With margins quickly eroding, we must take these steps now in order to be able to meet customer demand for our products and reinvest in the future.” 

The price increases are effective July 1 for all orders shipped on or after July 1 for the following products: STYROFOAM™ Extruded Polystyrene Insulations, Dow Polyisocyanurate Insulations, Dow High Performance Underlayment & Protection Board (Fanfold), WEATHERMATE™ Brand Housewraps, STYROFOAM™ Spray Polyurethane Insulations, GREAT STUFF™, GREAT STUFF PRO™, ENERFOAM™, INSTATIK™, and TILE-BOND™ , FROTH-PAK™ Insulation & Sealants,  STYROFOAM™ Sill Seal, and WEATHERMATE™ Construction Tape, Straight, Flexible & Sill Pan Flashings.

The price increases are effective July 15 for all orders shipped on or after July 15 for the following products: STYROFOAM™ Panel Core Products, STYROFOAM™ Oncology Board Products, STYROFOAM™ Surf Board Products, and TRYMER™ Polyisocyanurate Pipe Insulations.

“While it costs more for us to make our products, our customers recognize that, now more than ever, our products bring even greater value to their construction projects. Our STYROFOAM Insulation and WEATHERMATE Weather Barrier Solutions, for example, help increase energy efficiency and reduce moisture, which can lower the overall cost of home and building ownership -- an important consideration during a time where energy costs are skyrocketing,” noted Kraef.

About Dow Building Solutions

Dow Building Solutions has a 60-year legacy of providing energy saving solutions to the global commercial and residential construction industry, which began with the launch of its flagship STYROFOAM™ Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) Insulation, one of the most recognized brands of insulation in the world. A market-facing business unit of The Dow Chemical Company, Dow Building Solutions offers unsurpassed expertise to help builders, designers, architects and homeowners reduce energy costs and protect against wind, rain and moisture, while contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

About Dow

®™^* Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company ("Dow") or an affiliated company of Dow

For Editorial Information:

Rebecca Bentley
The Dow Chemical Company
989 638-8568

Elizabeth McDonnell
Gibbs & Soell, Inc.
212 697-2600 ext. 1247
emcdonnell@gibbs-soell.com