Dow to close three Louisiana plants

As The Wall Street Journal reports, Dow Chemical Co. is shutting three Louisiana plants that make basic chemicals in an effort to cut costs and to focus on higher-margin products.
According to The Times-Picayune, Dow will shut down two units at its Hahnville complex, but the shutdown will result in fewer than 10 layoffs.
The company also announced the shutdown of units at its Plaquemine operation by the third quarter of 2011. The move will affect about 45 employees, some of whom might move into other positions.