Bayer MaterialScience to discontinue production in Brazil

Bayer MaterialScience has decided to discontinue production at the Belford Roxo site in Brazil. The facilities for production of diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI, capacity 55,000t/yr), polyether polyols (15,000t/yr) and a small unit for the production of raw materials for the coating industry are to cease operation in July 2015.

Internal analyses conducted in recent years showed that production in Belford Roxo is too costly in comparison to other sites and, therefore, no longer competitive.

The departure of MaterialScience from the Belford Roxo site will affect 320 employees. The Bayer Group is seeking to transfer as many employees as possible to the HealthCare and CropScience subgroups, which will continue production at the site.

For all remaining MaterialScience employees, Bayer is working on fair solutions with the local Works Councils and trades unions.