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Dow Launches Consultations on 2027 Closure of Böhlen and Schkopau Units

Dow is negotiating with works councils on timelines for the plant shutdowns

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FILED - 28 May 2025, Saxony, Böhlen: View of the Dow Chemical facilities at the Böhlen Chemical Park. The US chemical company Dow Chemical is considering shutting down parts of the plant in Böhlen. If the cracker is shut down, this would have an impact on the entire chemical triangle in the region, according to critics of the plans. Photo: Jan Woitas/dpa (Photo by Jan Woitas/picture alliance via Getty Images)
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Rauchschwaden ziehen über den Standort Böhlen des Chemiekonzerns BSL Olefinverbund GmbH im Hintergrund sind die Kühltürme des Kraftwerkes Lippendorf bei Leipzig zu sehen.

Overview

  • Dow will shut its energy-intensive Steamcracker in Böhlen and its Chlor-alkali and Vinyl units in Schkopau by the end of 2027, affecting about 550 employees.
  • The company cited high energy and operating costs coupled with weak demand in key industries as drivers for the capacity adjustments.
  • Formal talks with works councils have begun to agree on shutdown schedules and social mitigation measures for affected staff.
  • Industry groups including VCI Nordost warn that losing the Cracker facility could trigger a domino effect across Central Germany’s integrated chemical network.
  • Regional politicians and business associations are mobilizing job-preservation initiatives and alternative investment proposals to sustain the Halle–Leipzig chemical cluster.