Rohm and Haas to Eliminate 900 Jobs, Freeze Salaries

Chemical manufacturer Rohm and Haas plans to cut 900 jobs, or 5.5% of its workforce, due to a slump in demand.

The Philadelphia firm, which is in the process of being acquired by Dow Chemical, said the moves build on restructuring actions the company announced in June 2008. At the time, Rohm and Haas said it would reduce production and cut about 925 jobs.

Rohm plans to adjust production schedules in certain manufacturing facilities, reduce sales and marketing positions and freeze discretionary spending and employee salaries.

Rohm and Haas manufactures miscellaneous materials. A Fortune 500 Company, it employs more than 17,000 people in 27 countries. Annual sales revenue stands at about $8.9 billion. Dow Chemical has agreed to buy Rohm and Haas for $17.29 billion.