XIAMETER E-BUSINESS MODEL OFFERS LOWEST-BASE PRICE SILICONE PRODUCTS TO AUTO AESTHETICS MARKET

(MIDLAND, Mich. – March 5, 2002) Dow Corning Corporation announced today the launch of a new web-enabled business model using a new brand: XIAMETERTM. For the serious buyer of silicon-based materials, Xiameter offers dynamic, lowest-base pricing; guaranteed shipping dates; clear order requirements and payment terms; and real time order and inventory control and confirmation for auto industry purchasers of commonly used silicon-based fluids, resins, adhesives/sealants, anti-foams and emulsions.

Xiameter, the new measure of value from Dow Corning, was created for the customer who is experienced in purchasing and using silicone products in applications where additional sales, design, and support services are neither needed nor wanted. Through web-based registration and transactions, as well as straightforward business rules (see Backgrounder for more details), the Xiameter business model from Dow Corning eliminates unnecessary transaction costs to offer commonly used silicone products at the lowest price available.

The full XIAMETER TM product offering includes more than 300 silicon-based fluids, resins and adhesive/sealants. For auto aesthetics applications, XIAMETER TM Series Fluids and Cyclics grades will be available, along with antifoams and emulsions for use in polishes and waxes; surfactants for interior and exterior cleaning and polishing applications; and resins for automotive paints and coatings. Other common silicon-based raw materials for automotive-aesthetics are available to assist in the formulation of tire dressings, interior dressings, leather preservatives, engine and transmission additives, fabric waterproofing compounds, corrosion protectants, surface sealers and more. In addition, room-temperature vulcanizing (RTV) adhesive/sealants used for various tasks such as mounting decorative trim are marketed by Xiameter.

For ‘Empowered’ registered customers, www.Xiameter.com provides information on pricing, minimum and multiple quantities, safety data sheets (SDS), certificates of chemical equivalencies, and a unique cross-reference tool that recommends XIAMETERTM product equivalents for substitution.

Drawing on Dow Corning’s vast capability for supplying silicones globally – the most extensive of any silicones supplier worldwide – XIAMETERTM guarantees ship dates, and ensures a reliable supply of high-quality products on predictable timelines. Minimum order quantities vary between truckloads, tank-carloads, or pallets, depending on the product line purchased. Payment terms of 30 days net, are extended to qualified registered customers in a number of currencies: U.S. dollars, euros, yen, won, pound sterling, and RMB. Letters of credit are limited to euros and U.S. dollars. Local taxes are not included in the price list.

“Dow Corning will offer customers new choices for how they buy silicon-based materials. For customers who are truly interested in the lowest competitive prices for silicone, and need no more than the volume raw materials, we offer XIAMETER™. If customers want value-added services such as product application and technical support, or development innovation with the purchase and use of our materials, they can still choose to buy the DOW CORNING® brand,” noted Dow Corning Executive Vice President, Stephanie Burns.

"Xiameter offers formulators of materials for applications in automotive aesthetics the silicone products they need at the lowest-base price," said Don Sheets, Xiameter general manager at Dow Corning. "Xiameter helps the formulator win the continuous price wars in the auto industry and gives them a supply line able to ship on time and in the quantities required."

As of March 5, 2002, XIAMETER TM products are available to be sold in more than 50 countries, including North America, most of Western Europe, China, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Australia, South Africa, and Brazil, among others. A list of XIAMETER TM products and prices, as well as registration information and Xiameter business rules are available on www.Xiameter.com.

Dow Corning, which

Reader enquiries

Xiameter
Dow Corning
2200 W. Salzburg Rd
PO Box 994
Midland
MI 48686-0994
U.S.A.

+1 989 496 1753

xiameter.news@​xiameter.com

www.xiameter.com