Westlake to close Cologne PVC plant, take USD 205 million pre-tax charges
WLK•Westlake plans to close its 165,000-metric-ton annual-capacity PVC plant in Cologne, Germany, with operations expected to stop in Q1 2027. It expects USD 205 million in pre-tax charges, including USD 100 million in cash.
1. Cologne plant closure
Westlake will close its PVC plant in Cologne to cut costs and lift profitability amid weak European demand. Operations at the site, which has annual capacity of 165,000 metric tons, are expected to stop in Q1 2027.
2. Charges and customer supply
The company expects pre-tax charges of USD 205 million, including USD 100 million in cash, with USD 110 million to be recorded in 2026. Customer supply will shift to other German PVC sites, including the recently acquired Wilhelmshaven facility.
3. Quarterly outlook
Management expects weaker Q3 2026 results versus Q2, citing softer pricing, higher freight costs and lower housing-related volumes.
