Dow Chemical Plans To Lay Off 900

MIDLAND (AP) - The Dow Chemical Co. plans to lay off about 900 people in response to weak demand for its products in Europe.

The Midland, Mich., chemical manufacturer said Monday that the positions will be cut as part of a plan to trim costs by about $250 million each year. The company also will shut down factories in Illinois, Portugal, Hungary, and Brazil, and it will idle a plant in The Netherlands.

Dow Chairman and CEO Andrew Liveris said the company made the decision to adapt to a volatile economy, especially in western Europe.

Dow says it will book a first-quarter charge of $350 million in the first quarter for severance packages, asset impairments and other items related to its cost-cutting plan.

Shares rose 3 cents to $34.67 in morning trading.

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