Dow Chemical idles epichlorohydrin line in Texas

MIDLAND, Mich. (March 25)—Dow Chemical Co. will idle the smallest of three epichlorohydrin production units in Freeport, Texas, until demand resumes. No disruption in supply to customers is anticipated, and no jobs will be affected, Dow said. The shutdown will allow the completion of maintenance and upgrade work. "We are confident that our two larger units at Freeport plus out facilities in Stade, Germany, will meet our current demands for epichlorohydrin," said Philippe Raynaud de Fitte, global business director of Intermediates and Resins. "When demand does return, we can return the line to full production within weeks." Epichlorohydrin is an intermediate used in many products and applications, including some rubber products, plasticizers, textiles and surface active agents.