Dow Chemical Co. is creating a new business unit for the water industry that will include efforts to remove contaminants and recycle.

Dow Water Solutions also will work in the areas of desalination and water purification, the Midland, Mich.-based company said.

"Dow Water Solutions will provide a range of competitive water treatment products that allow our customers to stimulate and capture industry growth, while continuing to improve access to higher quality water supplies that are more affordable and sustainable for communities and industries worldwide," said Andrew Liveris, Dow chairman and CEO.

Existing portions of the company that make up the new division have annual revenues of about $350 million and more than 1,000 employees, Dow said.

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