Dow cuts 64 jobs in New Hampshire surfactants shutdown

29 April 2004 19:54  [Source: ICIS news]

HOUSTON (CNI)--Dow Chemical's Hampshire Chemical unit has confirmed it will shut its surfactants plant at Nashua, New Hampshire within six months and terminate 64 employees.

Dow said the shutdown was mandated by the plant's "unfavourable profitability."

Earlier today Dow announced that it will eliminate 3000 jobs worldwide by the end of this year.

Dow spokeswoman Rosemarie Rung said the company would work with Hampshire customers "as they transition to new suppliers."

She said the facility would continue to produce sacrosinate-based surfactants for shampoos and personal care products for up to half a year.

Dow declined to disclose the capacity of the plant.

In a statement, Dow said the shutdown was due to high fixed costs and decreased production.

The facility was first established as Hampshire Chemical in 1958, acquired by WR Grace seven years later, went through a management buyout and was later purchased by South Africa's Sentrachem.

Dow acquired Sentrachem in 1997.

Dow said the plant's equipment and machinery will be decommissioned and chemical material "will undergo safe treatment and disposal in preparation for the eventual demolition of the site."

Stated Dow: "A groundwater remediation project will continue as part of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. (RCRA).

By: Mike Sheridan
+1 713 525 2653

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