Three decades ago came the arrival of Dow To White Bay It marked a turning point for the petrochemical industry in Argentina. The acquisition of Bahía Blanca Petrochemicals And polish This allowed the American company to promote investments in technology and productive infrastructure in the region, following the principles of sustainability and collaboration with the community.
With this in mind, the company created its own largest petrochemical complex in Latin America. The local operation currently includes seven production plants: two for ethylene, four for polyethylene (HDPE, LDPE, EPE and LLDPE) and a bottling plant under the name Site logistics.
Since its founding in 1995, the company has developed a strong bond with the city and encouraged the inclusion of local talent at all levels of production. The decision to settle down White Bay replied to the strategic location, access to deep sea port and availability of natural gas.
According to the company, today there are more than 600 direct jobs in its complex, of which almost 85% are attributed to residents of the region. In addition, a network of more than 80 local suppliers It is part of the value chain and meets international standards for safety and sustainability.
“Our biggest difference is people. When a team shares a goal, the results are multiplied. Here I have found a diverse and deeply committed team that proves every day that sustainable growth comes from talent, collaboration and the trust we build together,” he explained. Paula WoolbertOperations manager in Bahía Blanca.
The Dow complex in this city produces ethylene and polyethylene pellets. These last ones are an important input for high-performance plastics used internationally in the areas of packaging, infrastructure, mobility and health.
Within the complex, the company’s innovation is manifested through a combination of cutting-edge technology, integration of industrial facilities and a focus on continuous improvement. Any development carried out in these facilities retains its roots in the local community, although its impact is far-reaching Markets around the world.
In these 30 years, the company’s regional charisma is also reflected in its implementation over 100 educational and community programs The aim is to strengthen technical education, inclusion and social mobility in the region.
In agreement with the National University of the South, the National Technological University and local technical schools, Dow combines academic training with the requirements of industrial employment. One of the most notable initiatives is the Dow Stimulus Scholarship for students of University technician for industrial companies (TUOI)with particular attention to promoting female participation in STEM careers (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, its English acronym) and monitoring future technical leaders since they enter the education system.
The alliance with Teach for Argentinathrough the Collective leadership programstrengthens access to quality education and educational services in Bahía Blanca. As Dow reports, in the first half of 2025, 188 students and 9 schools joined this proposal and, according to the reports provided, achieved high levels of learning.
Furthermore, the The company developed rapid responses to emergenciesCollaborate on the restoration of computer and bibliographic equipment essential to the affected educational institutions.
“He March 7th temporarily It was devastating for our school: we lost library materials and computer equipment. The Donation from Notebooks from Dow allowed us to restore something fundamental: the opportunity for the 128 participating children to continue learning and access the digital world. Today, digital competence is your door into the future. We are very grateful,” said Karina Botta, director of one of the supported schools.
He Industrial development in Bahía Blanca integrates practices aimed at this sustainability. More than 90% of the complex’s energy needs will be met from renewable sources, with the goal of achieving a full clean energy supply by 2030, the company said. This approach makes it one of the most important in the country Renewable energy consumption.
Dow’s energy transition promotes coordination with Argentine companies and actors in the local ecosystem to maximize the use of renewable resources. Wind and solar parks in provinces such as Chaco, St. Louis And Rioja, among others, that provide energy to the complex provide opportunities for regional economic development, job creation and strengthening technical capacity.
Its environmental commitment leads to a reduction in the ecological footprint and a contribution to the well-being of the community. “At the Dow facility, sustainability is part of the production model and reflects a long-term vision linked to innovation and environmental responsibility,” the company said.
Dow recognizes this White Bay It combines conditions that have facilitated its growth: a competitive port, access to energy, a skilled workforce and a network of public universities. Thirty years after landing, the relationship between the company and the city continues to evolve, with a focus on industrial development and the continuous improvement of its environment.
“The industry does not grow alone, it grows when it does so with its community. Because Bahía Blanca is not just the place where we produce: it is part of our identity, the starting point of every progress and the inspiration behind every achievement. Bahía defines us,” explained the organization on the occasion of the celebration of the anniversary of its industrial complex. In this way, the Bahía Blanca complex is of Dow Argentina It has been consolidated as an engine of development and an example of the connection between high-tech production and social responsibility.
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