Dow announced plans to shut down three upstream assets in Europe as part of a broader restructuring initiative to address regional market challenges and improve profitability. The actions follow the company’s April 2025 announcement to review and rationalize its global asset footprint.

The shutdowns include an ethylene cracker in Böhlen, Germany; chlor-alkali and vinyl assets in Schkopau, Germany; and a basic siloxanes plant in Barry, U.K. Shutdowns are expected to begin mid-2026 and conclude by the end of 2027, with decommissioning activities continuing into 2029.

According to the company, these closures aim to reduce exposure to merchant sales, remove higher-cost, energy-intensive operations, and realign production capacity with market demand. The measures are projected to generate an operating EBITDA uplift of approximately $200 million, with 50% of that target realized by the end of 2027 and full benefits delivered by 2029.

Dow estimates a total cash outlay of about $500 million over four years, and expects to record charges of $630 million to $790 million, including asset write-downs, severance, and related costs. Roughly 800 jobs will be affected globally as a result of this action.

Dow reported 2024 sales of approximately $43 billion. The company employs around 36,000 people and operates manufacturing sites in 30 countries.