TERNEUZEN, the Netherlands – May 24, 2025 – Today marks the official 60th anniversary of Dow Benelux B.V. (Dow Terneuzen) establishing its presence in Terneuzen. Since its inception in 1965, the site has grown into the largest Dow location outside the United States and the second largest worldwide.
The site was officially opened in 1965 by Prince Bernhard, who symbolically connected with Dow’s headquarters in Midland, USA, via a telex link. This moment reflected the spirit of the times and highlights how much has changed since then—both technologically and organizationally.
The decision to choose Terneuzen was made in 1961, when Dow representatives, along with local and national officials, visited the Nieuw-Neuzenpolder. Dow selected this location due to the ample available land suitable for industrial production. Other key factors included the favorable investment climate in the Netherlands, the local talent pool, and the strategic location along the open waters of the Western Scheldt—crucial for the efficient transport of raw materials and finished products. What began in 1965 with 275 employees and a few plants has grown into the largest employer in Zeeuws-Vlaanderen: an organization with over 3,600 employees, 16 plants, and a 440-hectare site—equivalent to about 625 football fields.
“This milestone is a moment of pride,” said Tabita Verburg, Area President Benelux. “Pride in what we’ve achieved as an organization, but especially in our people. Every day we make an impact—as the region’s largest employer, as a community partner, and as a driving force behind innovation and sustainability. We are committed to creating the right conditions for at least another 60 years of Dow in Terneuzen.”
“Dow Terneuzen produces more than 800 different products used worldwide,” said Jaume Sariol, Site Leader Terneuzen and VP EMEAI Operations. “These are the building blocks for thousands of everyday goods—from shoes and cars to smartphones, packaging materials, pharmaceuticals, insulation, paint, and hygiene products. On average, you come across something made here about 60 times a day. That underscores how important our site is—not just in size, but in impact. And in everything we do, safety comes first—for our people, our surroundings, and the environment.”
With more than 50 nationalities, Dow forms a diverse and inclusive community. The organization actively invests in safety, livability, and education in the region through volunteer work, donation programs, and partnerships with schools and universities.Dow looks ahead with a clear ambition: to continue contributing to a strong, innovative, and future-proof industry and region.
For more information on Dow 60 years in Terneuzen: Dow 60 jaar | Dow Circles
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Photography
Photo: Dow Terneuzen in 2025
Photos: Official opening Dow in Terneuzen
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About Dow
Dow (NYSE: DOW) is one of the world’s leading materials science companies, serving customers in high-growth markets such as packaging, infrastructure, mobility and consumer applications. Our global breadth, asset integration and scale, focused innovation, leading business positions and commitment to sustainability enable us to achieve profitable growth and help deliver a sustainable future. We operate manufacturing sites in 30 countries and employ approximately 36,000 people. Dow delivered sales of approximately $43 billion in 2024. References to Dow or the Company mean Dow Inc. and its subsidiaries. Learn more about us and our ambition to be the most innovative, customer-centric, inclusive and sustainable materials science company in the world by visiting www.dow.com.
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For more information, contact:
Dow Benelux Public Affairs
beneluxinfo@dow.com