**Hundreds of Jobs at Risk at Dow Chemical Plant in Wales Amid Global Pressures**
Hundreds of workers at a long-standing chemical manufacturing plant in Barry, Vale of Glamorgan, are facing deep uncertainty as US-based chemical giant Dow announced plans to close down part of its site. The move puts nearly 300 jobs under threat, severely impacting both employees and the broader local economy in the South Wales region.
Dow, which has been a prominent employer in Barry since it acquired the site from Midland Silicones in 1971, currently employs approximately 850 people on its 160-acre facility. The potential job cuts represent a significant portion of its workforce—about one-third—demonstrating the far-reaching consequences of the proposed closure.
The news emerged following confirmation from the trade union Unite, which has been in discussions with Dow regarding the future of the facility. The organisation has expressed profound concern over the looming redundancies and is urging Dow management to reverse their decision and safeguard as many jobs as possible.
A formal consultation process has now commenced, initiating dialogue between staff, union representatives, and company leadership. Although the redundancy process is set to span some time, with no terminations expected before the middle of 2026, the long and uncertain road ahead is a cause of considerable anxiety for workers and their families.
The closure is being driven by intensifying global competition, particularly from Chinese manufacturers, which have reportedly been able to undercut pricing for Dow’s core products—basic siloxanes and chemicals. These materials are crucial inputs in a range of industries globally, including food processing, coatings, and dry cleaning. Dow’s Barry plant has traditionally provided both internal supply for Dow and external sales to companies worldwide.
In a statement earlier this year, Dow outlined broader cost-saving measures in response to challenging global economic conditions. The company’s plan aims to cut up to $1 billion in costs, including a targeted reduction in labour expenses through the loss of approximately 1,500 jobs worldwide. The cost-saving drive is part of a global effort to safeguard the corporation’s competitiveness amid rapid changes in international markets.
This development has been met with dismay by union representatives. Sharon Graham, General Secretary of Unite, condemned the proposed job losses, stressing that “valued workers are being punished for a situation not of their control.” She highlighted the potential devastating impact not only on the affected employees and their immediate families but also on the wider Vale of Glamorgan economy.
Richard Jackson, Unite’s regional officer, reiterated the union’s commitment to finding a resolution. He called on Dow to work collaboratively with the union, government, and other stakeholders to seek alternatives to closure and prevent compulsory redundancies. “The union will ensure it is involved all the way throughout this process,” Jackson confirmed.
Dow, meanwhile, maintains that external market pressures and international competition have rendered its Barry operations unsustainable under current conditions, though union members and local leaders hope that alternatives can still be developed through ongoing talks.
As the consultation continues, the future for hundreds of skilled Welsh workers remains uncertain, reflecting broader anxieties in Britain’s manufacturing sector as it grapples with evolving economic forces and increasing international competition.
This situation is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by many established industries across the UK. The repercussions of any large-scale job losses stretch far beyond the factory gate, affecting supply chains, local businesses, and community stability throughout the region.
Stakeholders will be watching closely as developments unfold, with hopes that a compromise or innovative solution may still emerge to mitigate the impact of these proposed redundancies.