Dow Chemical Canada Inc. is to close two of its seven petrochemical production facilities currently in operation at its Alberta site. The reason given for the closures was a lack of competitiveness in the global market place. The closure of the two facilities, Chlor-Alkali and Ethylene Dichloride (EDC), will result in the loss of approximately 170 jobs at the site, comprising around 100 employees and 70 contractor positions. The two production facilities will shut down operations by October 31.

The two plants being closed began operations in the late 1970s. The Chlor-Alkali plant produces chlorine and caustic soda, an essential ingredient used in many industrial operations including textiles, pulp and paper, and chemical processing.

Dow customers for these products will continue to be supplied from other facilities.

Jeff Johnston, president of Dow Canada's operations stated, "The decision to close these two plants was made only after all alternatives were examined in detail, including the potential sale and continued operation of the facilities by other companies, to protect job opportunities for our employees. Unfortunately, there were no other viable options."