Midland, Mich. -- Dow Corning Corp., a global leader in silicones, silicon-based technology and innovation, has named Biesterfeld Spezialchemie GmbH as a distributor of silicone-based solutions for the manufacturing of solar photovoltaic modules in 23 countries throughout Europe.

The agreement with Biesterfeld Spezialchemie GmbH - a European distributor of specialty chemicals with a tradition dating back 100 years-includes distributing Dow Corning Solar silicone products, providing technical support and industry expertise to customers in: Germany, Austria, Switzerland, most of the Central Eastern European countries, the Commonwealth of Independent States, as well as Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Kazakhstan.

"After a 13 year successful history with Dow Corning, were pleased to be working with Biesterfeld Spezialchemie GmbH in the solar business ," said Allison Ashbrook, global distribution manager, Dow Corning Solar Business. "The company continues to expand its dedicated solar team throughout Europe to further develop and grow Dow Cornings photovoltaic business."

"Our highly qualified, dedicated employees are committed to promoting customer and supplier satisfaction by developing long-term business partnerships based on open dialog, trustworthiness and the high quality of Dow Corning solar silicone products," said Dr. Onno Graalmann, Managing Director, Biesterfeld Spezialchemie GmbH.

Dow Cornings expansion of its global distribution network follows several recent investment announcements including plans for a $13 million Solar Energy Exploration & Development Center (SEED) in Seneffe, Belgium. The state-of-the-art facility will be a home for solar research and development, product innovation and customer collaboration.

One of the only companies in the world able to provide silicon-based solutions throughout the entire photovoltaic value chain, Dow Corning is investing to expand its portfolio of total solution packages for solar cell manufacturing, module assembly and installation. Solution packages are built on high-performance silicone products such as encapsulants, adhesives, coatings, potting agents and sealants, as well as next-generation solar grade silicon.

Source: Dow Corning