Dec 7 2007
The Dow Chemical Company announced today the decision to close its Latex production facility at Freeport, Texas in 2008. The Latex plant at Freeport is only one of 7 latex plants that serve the North American paper, paperboard and carpet industries. The Freeport facility employs approximately 18 people, who will be redeployed to other roles within Texas Operations, currently Dow’s largest integrated site, serving all eight of Dow’s Global Business Groups.
“The closing of our Latex facility in Freeport was a difficult decision, but due to the reduction in industry demand and productivity improvements across the plants, the decision was necessary,” said Philippe Raynaud de Fitte, general manager, Dow Paper and Carpet Latex.
“We believe we can better service the North American customer base by leveraging alternative manufacturing facilities and reduce overall structural costs by shutting down this location” said Donna Babcock, North American Product Director, Dow Paper and Carpet latex.
The Latex plant will operate into the first half of 2008. Beyond that timeframe, Dow will supply Latex from other manufacturing locations across its grid in North America to service customer demand. Since Dow customers are served from a multiple manufacturing grid system rather than from individual sites, Dow anticipates no disruption in supply.