Both companies focus on research: Dow creating more new products

Like Union Carbide, Dow Chemical has a strong emphasis on researchand development.

In the Kanawha Valley, 68 percent of Union Carbide's workers areemployed in offices and labs at the South Charleston TechnicalCenter.

Dow's purchase of Union Carbide, announced Wednesday, puts Dow'sresearch and development component under the microscope.

The South Charleston Tech Center is Union Carbide's research gem.Most of the 1,800 employees there are highly trained professionals.Many have advanced degrees.

Although Union Carbide's research focus is at the Tech Center,Carbide spokesman Tom Sprick said about 925 people are also employedin similar centers at Carbide's …