Solar Solutions

Midland, Mich. – Dow Corning Corp., a global leader in silicones, silicon-based technology and innovation, has named SAMARO, S.A.S. as distributor of its silicon-based solutions for solar applications in France.

SAMARO, a leading supplier of specialty chemical products for more than three decades, will act as a technical resource and production house for Dow Corning's solar business, coordinating distribution and application of high-quality silicone solutions for local customers. Based in Lyon, SAMARO is currently a distributor of Dow Corning Electronics solutions in France and will also distribute Dow Corning's Molykote® brand lubricant solutions in North Africa.

"As France enters the race toward grid parity, accessibility of high-quality materials for solar modules is of primary importance," said Allison Ashbrook, global distribution manager, Dow Corning Solar Business. "We look forward to working with SAMARO and our broad network of regional distributors throughout Europe to provide silicone solutions that will help solar energy become a viable energy option globally."

"We are pleased to partner with Dow Corning and look forward to providing excellent customer service and technical support to their local solar customers in France," said Erwan Ménard, SAMARO, CEO.

Dow Corning's 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.

About Dow Corning
Dow Corning (dowcorning.com) provides performance-enhancing solutions to serve the diverse needs of more than 25,000 customers worldwide. A global leader in silicones, silicon-based technology and innovation, Dow Corning offers more than 7,000 products and services via the company’s Dow Corning® and XIAMETER® brands. Dow Corning is a joint venture equally owned by The Dow Chemical Company and Corning, Incorporated. More than half of Dow Corning’s annual sales are outside the United States.

About SAMARO
Established in 1976 with headquarters in Lyon, France, SAMARO is a leading distributor of high-value specialty products in the electronics, energy and transportation markets with expertise in engineering adhesives and sealants; assembly and production of thermal management products, and high performance lubricants. SAMARO has a staff of 29 employees and annual sales of approximately $9 million Euros. SAMARO is also a member of Distributor Group Europe (DGE).