Dow Chemical Limited (Australia, Melbourne) announced the shutdown today of its polystyrene (PS) facility in Altona, VIC, with immediate effect. “The closing of the Altona polystyrene plant was a difficult decision, but reflects Dow’s commitment to maintain the competitiveness of its operations across every business and geographic region,” said John Williamson, sales director for Dow Australia’s Plastics business. “Having been unable to secure a long-term, economically sustainable supply of styrene monomer for the Altona facility, this decision is unavoidable.”

Dow will supply the Australian and New Zealand markets from its PS plants in Asia and maintain local sales and technical support for customers in Australia-New Zealand. The PS plant at Altona has a capacity of 35,000 tonnes annually and employs 17 people.—[email protected]