Dow has announced that it is exiting the Specialty Ketones business, following declining revenue and worsening market conditions. Customers are being notified immediately and will be sourced from inventory with production expected to cease by end of the first quarter in 2005.

As a result, Union Carbide Corporation has elected to shut down the Specialty Ketones plant located at its South Charleston, WV site. The plant produces hydroxy methyl pentanone (HMP), diethyl ketone (DEK), and 2,4 pentanedione (PDO) for the manufacture of animal feed supplements, chelating agents and herbicides.

During the shut down process, equipment and machinery will be decommissioned and chemical material will undergo safe treatment and disposal. The top priority during the shut down process is the safety of employees, the community and environment.