PRIOLO, Italy (April 2)—Dow Chemical Co. is closing its idled propylene oxide derivatives plant in Priolo, citing cost reasons.
The facility, idle since January 2003, had annual capacity of 68,000 metric tons for polyether polyols and also made propylene glycol and derivatives as well as ethylene oxide. The unit was idled when Syndial, a former EniChem business, closed its PO and chlorine facilities on the same site; Syndial had supplied Dow with raw materials.
"We will work very hard to minimize the social impact," said Flavio Terruzzi, president and managing director of Dow Italy. Dow also said it was trying to assess opportunities for relocation or early retirement of the 59 employees in Priolo and would "support specific needs, as appropriate."
Dow acquired the plant in 2001 in its purchase of EniChem's polyurethanes business.