Plastics News: Dow to Close LDPE Plant in Freeport, TX

Dow to Close LDPE Plant in Freeport, TX

Midland, MI - February 12, 2009

Driven by current economic conditions and overcapacity for Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) in the North American marketplace, The Dow Chemical Company today announced the shutdown of its Poly 2 LDPE plant in Freeport, Texas.

"The Basic Plastics business carefully evaluated several options, but the supply-demand outlook for LDPE in North America, combined with the age, cost position and the relatively old technology of the Poly 2 plant as well as the need for additional investment do not make continued operation a viable option," said Pieter Platteeuw, Global Business Director, LDPE.

Approximately 40 people are affected and have been notified of the decision. Where possible, efforts will be made to look for redeployment opportunities. Where redeployment is not possible, severance packages will be available.

The Poly 2 shutdown is expected to be completed by end of March 2009.

The Poly 2 plant includes three autoclave low density reactors with a combined capacity of 225 million lbs. It has been in operation since 1959.

"We are committed to the North America low density polyethylene market and our customer base," said Platteeuw. "We will work closely with our customers to supply them from our other plants in North America, and expect minimal impact on customers."

Dow and its affiliates continue to operate 25 polyethylene plants around the world, and remain the world's largest producer of polyethylene.

About LDPE

Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) is a type of plastic resin used in a variety of applications that range from complex food packaging to shopping bags and coated paper boards. Other typical applications include liners, consumer bags, heavy duty sacks, clarity shrink and collation films, agricultural films, extrusion coatings, caps and closures and a variety of durable products such as power cables and toys. More information on LDPE can be found on www.dowplastics.com.

About Dow

For Editorial Information:

Tracie Copeland
The Dow Chemical Company
1-979-238-3792

Jan Huisman
The Dow Chemical Company
+41 44 728 3142

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Asia-Pacific Europe, Middle East and Africa Latin America Español Português North America About Dow's Plastics Portfolio News Center Related Plastics Sites Joint Ventures Medical Policy Plastics Home	Dow to Close LDPE Plant in Freeport, TX Midland, MI - February 12, 2009 Driven by current economic conditions and overcapacity for Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) in the North American marketplace, The Dow Chemical Company today announced the shutdown of its Poly 2 LDPE plant in Freeport, Texas. "The Basic Plastics business carefully evaluated several options, but the supply-demand outlook for LDPE in North America, combined with the age, cost position and the relatively old technology of the Poly 2 plant as well as the need for additional investment do not make continued operation a viable option," said Pieter Platteeuw, Global Business Director, LDPE. Approximately 40 people are affected and have been notified of the decision. Where possible, efforts will be made to look for redeployment opportunities. Where redeployment is not possible, severance packages will be available. The Poly 2 shutdown is expected to be completed by end of March 2009. The Poly 2 plant includes three autoclave low density reactors with a combined capacity of 225 million lbs. It has been in operation since 1959. "We are committed to the North America low density polyethylene market and our customer base," said Platteeuw. "We will work closely with our customers to supply them from our other plants in North America, and expect minimal impact on customers." Dow and its affiliates continue to operate 25 polyethylene plants around the world, and remain the world's largest producer of polyethylene. About LDPE Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) is a type of plastic resin used in a variety of applications that range from complex food packaging to shopping bags and coated paper boards. Other typical applications include liners, consumer bags, heavy duty sacks, clarity shrink and collation films, agricultural films, extrusion coatings, caps and closures and a variety of durable products such as power cables and toys. More information on LDPE can be found on www.dowplastics.com. About Dow For Editorial Information: Tracie Copeland The Dow Chemical Company 1-979-238-3792 Jan Huisman The Dow Chemical Company +41 44 728 3142
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