这家化工巨头又关了一家工厂

Core Viewpoint - Dow's polyurethane division plans to close its 55,000 tons/year polyol plant in Terneuzen, Belgium by the end of Q1 2026 due to high local operating costs and a burdensome regulatory environment [1] Group 1: Strategic Decisions - The decision to close the Terneuzen plant is part of Dow's ongoing European asset strategy assessment initiated last year, focusing on the capacity layout of its polyurethane business [1] - Dow's spokesperson emphasized the company's ability to maintain its existing product supply, indicating that the closure is not expected to negatively impact customers or related markets [1] Group 2: Market and Operational Efficiency - The closure is aimed at adjusting regional capacity to market demand, eliminating high-cost assets, enhancing cost efficiency, and ensuring long-term competitiveness, aligning with the company's ongoing development goals [1] - CEO Jim Fitterling noted that challenges from the European regulatory environment are increasing, prompting a review of the competitiveness of several European assets, particularly those related to the polyurethane business [1] Group 3: Recent Developments - In July, Dow's board approved the closure of three chemical plants in Europe, including a steam cracker in Borken, Germany, a chlor-alkali/ethylene asset in Schkopau, Germany, and a siloxane plant in Barry, UK [1] - Polyols typically react with isocyanates to produce polyurethanes, which are used in various products such as mattresses, appliance foam insulation, automotive seats, elastic shoe soles, fibers, and adhesives [1]