Westlake to Optimize European Chlorovinyls Footprint with Closure of Cologne PVC Plant
Key Highlights
- ➤Westlake (WLK) to close Cologne PVC plant in Germany by Q1 2027
- ➤Closure carries approximately $205 million in total pre-tax charges
- ➤Westlake (WLK) expects sequentially lower Q3 2026 financial performance
- ➤Cologne facility has approximately 165,000 metric tons annual PVC capacity
- ➤Approximately $110 million of closure charges expected in 2026
Expert Statements
Jean-Marc Gilson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Westlake
“Given the persistent, challenging market conditions facing the global chemical industry, we have made the difficult decision to cease operations at our Cologne, Germany PVC site as part of our ongoing optimization of business operations.”
Jean-Marc Gilson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Westlake
“We will continue to supply our valued customers with PVC produced at our other German facilities.”
Jean-Marc Gilson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Westlake
“I want to recognize the dedication and contributions of all our employees, including those who will be leaving us. We appreciate their efforts over the years, and we are committed to treating everyone impacted with respect and to supporting them through this transition.”
HOUSTON, Sept. 29, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Westlake Corporation (NYSE: WLK) (“Westlake” or the “Company”) announced today that, in light of challenging market conditions, the Company is taking action to improve profitability by closing its polyvinyl chloride (“PVC”) plant in Cologne, Germany.
Chemical production in Europe continues to face difficult conditions, including weak demand, elevated energy costs and increased import pressure from Asia. Due to its smaller scale and higher logistical burden, the Cologne plant has higher costs than the Company’s other European PVC sites. The Company will continue to serve its customers from its remaining, lower-cost PVC facilities in Germany, including its recently acquired Wilhelmshaven site.
Get started
Create a free account to read the full story.