The chemical industry witnessed a number of developments during the month of October, including several announcements of plant closures, a large fire, and a few divestitures. Chemical manufacturers continued to experience impacts from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Powder & Bulk Solids editors selected these posts to provide our audience with an overview of some of the most interesting chemical industry-related developments that were reported in the last month.

OxyChem Exec Appointed COO of Chevron Phillips Chemical
Chemicals manufacturer Chevron Phillips Chemical Company (CPChem) announced that B.J. Hebert was named executive vice president and chief operating officer. Starting his career at Vista Chemicals, the executive has worked in industry for over three decades.

Fire at Alkoxylation Plant Forces Evacuations
A fire at the Baze Chemical alkoxylation plant in Palestine, TX in late October forced local officials to evacuate homes near the facility. 1,000 gal of isobutyl chloride was reportedly released during the incident.

BASF Wraps Up Sale of Construction Chemicals Business
German chemicals and materials firm BASF has closed the sale of its Construction Chemicals business to an affiliate of private equity firm Lone Star. The transaction was priced at €3.17 billion, or about $3.7 billion.

Dow to Close Several Plants as Company Looks to Cut Costs
Chemicals and materials maker Dow announced plans to shut down several manufacturing facilities to cut its costs as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic continues to rattle the global economy.

Chemical Industry Pushes for Freight Rail Reforms
Testifying on behalf of the American Chemistry Council before the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, Olin Corporation’s Vice President of Global Supply Chain, Frank Chirumbole, explained how his company worked with railroads and federal agencies to help keep critical shipments of chemicals moving during the COVID-19 pandemic.

MFG Chemical Appoints Industry Vet as Director of Sales
Specialty chemical contract manufacturer MFG Chemical has appointed Joe Dymecki as its Director of Sales. Prior to joining the company, Dymecki worked as CP Sales for Dubois Chemicals, BP sales for Selig Industries, and VP Business Effectiveness for Zep Inc.

BASF to Shutter Glufosinate-Ammonium Plant in Michigan
German chemicals and materials firm BASF is moving to close two production facilities for the glufosinate-ammonium (GA) and its intermediates as it consolidates manufacturing of the non-selective herbicide to other plants and sites in Germany.

Celanese Sheds Interest in Polyplastics to Diacel for $1.5B
Chemicals and specialty materials firm Celanese wrapped up the $1.5 billion sale of its 45% equity in the joint venture Polyplastics to Diacel Corporation. The company established its footprint in Asia through the Polyplastics joint venture over five decades ago. 

Crews Called to 3M Plant for Chemical Spill
HAZMAT personnel and firefighters were dispatched to the 3M Canada plant in Brockville, ON on Wednesday after an ammonia leak was reported at the facility. Workers reportedly evacuated the facility during the incident.

Huntsman Sells India-Based Consumer Adhesives Business
American chemical manufacturer and marketer Huntsman Corporation is preparing to part ways with its India-Based DIY (Do-It-Yourself) Consumer Adhesives Business after agreeing to a $285 million sale to Pidilite Industries Ltd.

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