Dow Corning UK to lose 115 jobs in global cuts

Barry, UK – Employees at the Dow Corning’s factory in Barry, Wales, are in talks with management concerning an anticipated cut of 115 jobs at the site.

The discussions follow the announcement of a global reorganisation by parent company Dow Chemical Co. on 28 June.

Confirming cutbacks at Barry, Dow Chemical provided a statement to ERJ,  saying that it expected a 45-day employee consultation period to commence during third quarter 2016.

The Barry site employs 630 people and produces Silicone fluids, rubber and speciality polymers.

Speaking to ERJ, a company spokeswoman said the decision was only recently made and that it was not clear which areas of the business would be impacted by the cuts.

She, however, confirmed that the cuts were not related to a recent vote by the UK to leave the EU and was just a “unfortunate coincidence”.

Dow announced on 28 June that it would cut 2,500 jobs worldwide, or about 4 percent of its total workforce, as part of the integration of Dow Corning.

Barry was also hit by Zeon Corp.'s closure of its synthetic rubber plant in the town in March with the loss of 80 jobs.