Westlake To Close Its PVC Plant In Cologne, Germany, To Improve Profitability; Expects Sequentially Lower Financial Performance In Q3

Westlake has announced the closure of its PVC plant in Cologne, Germany, due to high operational costs and challenging market conditions, including weak demand and elevated energy prices. The plant, with an annual production capacity of 165,000 metric tons, will cease operations in the first quarter of 2027, resulting in pre-tax charges of approximately $205 million. The company anticipates sequentially lower financial performance in Q3 2026, impacted by reduced PVC and polyethylene prices and increased freight costs in its Housing & Infrastructure Products segment.