Dow Polyurethanes (Midland, Michigan / USA; www.dow.com/polyurethane) has inaugurated a new formulation and prototyping development laboratory in Ribaforada / Spain. The laboratory, which is part of an existing Dow Polyurethane Systems facility at the site, will focus on the development of differentiated systems formulations for customers in southern Europe and North Africa. Construction of the laboratory began in October 2006 and the facility includes prototyping units for in-house trials and testing, additional space for polymer testing capabilities and equipment for flexible moulded and rigid foams as well as footwear applications, coatings, adhesives, sealants, and elastomers.