Dow Canada’s Sarnia, Ontario site was Dow’s first manufacturing operation in Canada. Dow was first invited by the Canadian government in 1942 to produce styrene, an essential material for the manufacture of synthetic rubber.

On August 31, 2006, Dow Chemical Canada Inc. announced that its Sarnia, Ontario operations would cease all manufacturing activities by the end of April 2009. The decision to stop production at the Sarnia site was precipitated by Dow’s inability to secure any supply of ethylene, the principal feedstock for its Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) unit. More information about the closure of Sarnia site is available on the Ceasing Operations page.

Dow Canada has a close relationship with the Sarnia community. To honour our relationship, and on behalf of our local employees and retirees, we proudly announce The Dow Sarnia Legacy Project. This will be a permanent, public undertaking—our gift to the community. More information on submitting a proposal and the process for selecting a project is available on the Legacy Project page.

The remaining plants in Sarnia produce polyols. Polyols are produced at our Propylene Oxide Derivatives unit are the building blocks for a wide variety of polyurethane foam products, such as automotive car seats.

Dow Sarnia will continue to meet its community, environmental and business obligations as we work to bring operations to a close. If you have any questions or comments about our Sarnia site, please get in touch with us.