The Dow Chemical Company announced today that it will close its Polyols, Propylene Glycol (and derivatives) and Ethylene Oxide facility in Priolo (Siracusa), Italy. The facility has been idle since January, 2003 due to challenging market conditions.
"To remain competitive, Dow must continually optimize its production capabilities around the globe and operate only those facilities that meet requirements for efficiency, raw material integration and overall cost-competitiveness," said Pat Dawson, Dow business vice president, Polyurethanes and Thermoset Systems.
The decision by Dow in 2003 to idle the Priolo facility coincided with Syndial's (formerly EniChem) idling of propylene oxide and chlorine production -- key raw materials for the Dow Priolo facility. After the facility was idled, production was transferred to other Dow locations.
"Given the decision to close the Priolo facility, we will work very hard to minimize the social impact," said Flavio Terruzzi, President and Managing Director, Dow Italy. "We will carefully assess opportunities for employee relocation, early retirement and support specific needs as appropriate."
The Priolo facility has 59 employees and was included in the Dow acquisition of Enichem's polyurethanes business in 2001.
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