Dow Chemical to Cut Up to 500 Michigan Jobs

Dow Chemical announced today it will cut between 400 to 500 jobs at its Midland, Michigan, headquarters, as part of a previously announced global layoff plan.

The nation’s largest chemical maker is slashing 5,000 full-time jobs, 11% of its total work force, closing 20 plants and selling several businesses to rein in costs.

“The decision to reduce jobs is one the company never takes lightly,” said Mike Gambrell, executive VP of manufacturing & engineering operations. “However, the global financial crisis, combined with recent and steep declines in customer demand, [has] intensified the company’s need to accelerate cost-cutting measures.”