Dow is a diversified chemical company that continuously improves through the power of science, technology, and the “human element”. In 2010, Dow’s annual sales were $53.7 billion, with approximately 50000 employees worldwide, operating 188 production bases in 35 countries, and producing over 5000 products. Dow provides a wide range of products and services to customers in 160 countries and regions worldwide, and implements the principles of sustainable development in chemistry and innovation, providing higher quality products for various consumer markets, including pure water, food, pharmaceuticals, paints, packaging, as well as personal care products, construction, home furnishings, and automobiles. In 2015, Dow Chemical and DuPont USA announced their merger to form the second largest chemical company in the world after BASF.