Hundreds set to lose their jobs at Dow's Barry chemical factory
Dow, who run the site, has confirmed 220 people will be let go after announcing the potential for job cuts earlier this year.
In a statement, Dow said it "will shut down the basic siloxanes operations at its Barry, U.K. site...."
It continued: "As part of the consultation process with employees and union representatives, Dow has taken steps to reduce the number of roles affected from 291 to approximately 220, to be phased out over the next three to four years."
Job cuts are expected to begin in mid-2026.
The company acknowledged it is "difficult news for its employees and the local community". It added: "This decision is in no way a reflection on the Barry team, who have shown tremendous professionalism and dedication.
"The Barry site remains a vital part of Dow's operations. While basic siloxanes production will cease, specialty silicones manufacturing will continue, supporting key industries such as automotive, electronics, energy, construction, and personal care."
The company, which produces a wide range of silicon products, has wholly owned the Barry site since 2016 and now employs 850 people on a 160-acre site.
Dow has manufacturing sites in 30 countries, employs around 36,000 people globally and was among the three largest chemical producers in the world in 2021. However, it says cheap competition from abroad is behind the cuts.
Its board has also approved cuts at two of its other European sites, both in Germany.
Jim Fitterling, Dow chair and CEO said: "Our industry in Europe continues to face difficult market dynamics, as well as an ongoing challenging cost and demand landscape.
"Over the past decade, we have demonstrated Dow's commitment to operating with a best-owner mindset by taking proactive actions across higher-cost or non-strategic assets.
"Looking ahead, we remain committed to realising the value of our incremental growth investments and enhancing profitability and cash flow through more than $6 billion in near-term cash support."
The union Unite described the move as "devastating" but said negotiations it had had with Dow meant fewer jobs losses.
Initially almost 300 jobs were at risk but now that number is 220 - with almost 150 of these voluntary redundancies.
Unite Regional officer Anthony Simpson said: "Unite's hard work in negotiations has managed to save some of the jobs at risk and ensure that those who are being made redundant receive enhanced packages.
"However, going forward we need to ensure there is government support for retraining across the board. We need a proactive industrial strategy that underpins our manufacturing industry to ensure there is decent future employment in the Barry area."
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