The US chemical company Dow is no longer ruling out the closure of two plants in Saxony-Anhalt and Saxony. These are plants in Schkopau (Saxony-Anhalt) and Böhlen (Saxony), as the company announced. Both are among the more energy-intensive and cost-intensive plants at the various Dow sites. The company did not disclose the number of employees affected.
"Dow is considering various options, the most likely of which are a temporary shutdown or closure of the plants," the company said. It spoke of a continuing challenging demand situation.
Decision expected by mid-2025
The reason for this is overcapacity in the market, which is being exacerbated by increasing imports, high energy, raw material and CO2 costs and increasing regulatory burdens. Final decisions have not yet been made. Dow announced a review of its European sites in October 2024.
The site review in Europe should be completed by mid-2025. A decision will then be made. Dow has informed the employees at the affected sites about the ongoing review and the possible outcome. Employees and works councils will be involved in accordance with applicable regulations and consultation processes, the company explained.
According to earlier company information, around 3,600 employees work for the Group at 13 locations in Germany.
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