The DuPont Co. says it is permanently closing its pesticide factory in LaPorte, Texas, where it stopped work in the fall of 2014, when four workers were poisoned to death there by methyl mercaptan, a toxic, sulfur-smelling gas. The decision idles hundreds of workers. Statement here. The factory made the insecticides Lannate and Vydate.
The U.S. Chemical Safety Board and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration cited LaPorte in its crtiicism of DuPont chemical safety records, see post and link here. U.S. Chemical Safety Board recommendations on work to be done before reopening LaPorte here. Houston Chronicle links to LaPorte accident stories here.
DuPont said it decided to shut the plant permanently due to low crop prices that have left farmers buying less pesticide, "lower insect pressure" and "insect resistant crops" in South America, "currency and economic conditions," and "uncertainty regarding when the facility could be restarted" and how much it would cost. Noting it can get pesticide chemicals elsewhere, LaPorte "is not a long-term viable and cost-efficient option," DuPont concluded.
DuPont expects to post a pre-tax charge of $70 million to pay LaPorte workers severance, cancel contracts and write down equipment and other assets.