Dow to close EO/EG at Wilton in 2010, 55 jobs affected

08 July 2009 14:21  [Source: ICIS news]

TORONTO (ICIS news)--Dow Chemical plans to close an ethylene oxide/ethylene glycol (EO/EG) plant at Wilton in the UK by the end of January 2010, a spokesperson said on Wednesday.

The plant employs a staff of 55, Dow spokeswoman Sue Breach told ICIS news, confirming a media report.

However, the exact number of job losses would be determined later, she said.

“The actual number of jobs that could be impacted by the intended shutdown will be determined following an employee consultation period,” she said.

In a separate statement, Dow said the decision to close the plant was due to a number of factors, including unfavourable input costs, weak demand and poor profit margins, particularly for monoethylene glycol (MEG).

“The ongoing recession is expected to prolong difficult global EO/EG industry conditions for several years and has expedited the need for Dow to come to a decision regarding the Wilton facility,” Dow said in a statement.

Dow did not disclose capacities.

According to the ICIS plants & projects database, Dow's EG capacity at Wilton is 275,000 tonnes/year and EO is 320,000 tonnes/year.

In related news, the BBC reported that specialty chemicals producer Croda would be forced to close a neighbouring plant that sources its feedstock from the Dow facility, affecting 125 position. 

A Croda media spokesperson was not immediately available for comment.

For more on Dow Chemical and Croda visit ICIS company intelligence
To discuss issues facing the chemical industry go to ICIS connect

By: Stefan Baumgarten
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