Westlake Vinnolit to close Cologne PVC plant in European footprint optimization
WLK•Westlake Vinnolit plans to close its Cologne PVC plant, which has annual capacity of about 165,000 metric tons, with production set to stop in the first quarter of 2027. The company expects about $205 million in pre-tax charges.
1. Closure and charges
Westlake Vinnolit announced plans to close its PVC plant in Cologne, Germany, to improve profitability amid weak European demand. Production is set to stop in the first quarter of 2027. The company expects about $205 million in pre-tax charges, split between $100 million in cash and $105 million in non-cash charges; about $110 million is expected in 2026, with the remainder booked in 2027. Supply will shift to other German PVC sites, including the recently acquired Wilhelmshaven facility.
