Westlake to close Cologne PVC plant, expects USD 205 million pre-tax charges

Westlake says it will close its Cologne, Germany PVC plant to cut costs amid weak European demand. The closure targets a 165,000-metric-ton annual capacity site, with operations expected to stop in Q1 2027 and pre-tax charges of USD 205 million (USD 100 million cash, USD 110 million recorded in 2026). Westlake also expects weaker Q3 2026 results than Q2 due to softer pricing, higher freight costs and lower housing-related volumes.