Industry in crisis
Dow closes chemical systems in Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt
The chemical industry is under pressure. The company therefore wants to close individual cost -intensive systems in Böhlen and Schkopau. Hundreds of employees are affected.
The US chemical group Dow wants to close some of its facilities in Böhlen in Saxony and in Schkopau in Saxony-Anhalt at the end of 2027. The reason is structural challenges on the European market, including high energy and operating costs and a lack of demand in key industries, the company said. Dow informed the employees at the locations concerned about this decision.
According to the company, a total of around 550 regular employees in Böhlen and Schkopau are affected. According to information, Dow maintains 13 locations in Germany with around 3,400 employees.
Not all systems in the region affected
Specifically, it is about the chloral alkaline and vinyl systems in Schkopau (Saalekreis) and the so-called Steamcracker in Böhlen, which produces chemical materials from raw gasoline. These systems are at the beginning of the chemical value chain and are considered particularly cost and energy-intensive. According to Dow, their closure serves to adapt capacity, the reduction of trade risks and the improvement of competitiveness.
DOW operates further facilities in Schkopau, Leuna and Böhlen – among other things for the production of plastic and materials for the construction industry. According to the information, they are not affected by the current decision.
dpa
Source: Stern
