Westlake to Optimize European Chlorovinyls Footprint with Closure of Cologne PVC Plant (Form 8-K)

Westlake to Optimize European Chlorovinyls Footprint

with Closure of Cologne PVC Plant

HOUSTON, September 29, 2026 - Westlake Corporation (NYSE: WLK) ("Westlake" or the "Company") announced today that, in light of challenging market conditions, the Company is taking action to improve profitability by closing its polyvinyl chloride ("PVC") plant in Cologne, Germany.

Chemical production in Europe continues to face difficult conditions, including weak demand, elevated energy costs and increased import pressure from Asia. Due to its smaller scale and higher logistical burden, the Cologne plant has higher costs than the Company's other European PVC sites. The Company will continue to serve its customers from its remaining, lower-cost PVC facilities in Germany, including its recently acquired Wilhelmshaven site.

The broader global market is also experiencing pricing and cost pressures. In the third quarter of 2026, PVC and polyethylene average prices in North America are lower than the second quarter of 2026 as the price increases initially realized in the second quarter following the onset of the Iran conflict have moderated. Furthermore, in its Housing & Infrastructure Products segment, the Company has experienced higher freight costs caused by a surge in diesel prices and a moderate decline in sales volume caused by the slowdown in housing activity resulting from a rising interest rate environment.

In line with these more challenging market conditions, Westlake expects sequentially lower financial performance in the third quarter of 2026 compared to the second quarter of 2026.

"Given the persistent, challenging market conditions facing the global chemical industry, we have made the difficult decision to cease operations at our Cologne, Germany PVC site as part of our ongoing optimization of business operations," said Westlake President and Chief Executive Officer Jean-Marc Gilson. "We will continue to supply our valued customers with PVC produced at our other German facilities. I want to recognize the dedication and contributions of all our employees, including those who will be leaving us. We appreciate their efforts over the years, and we are committed to treating everyone impacted with respect and to supporting them through this transition."

The Cologne facility has annual production capacity of approximately 165,000 metric tons of PVC per year. In connection with the Cologne closure, Westlake expects to record total pre-tax charges of approximately $205 million, consisting of cash charges of approximately $100 million and non-cash charges of approximately $105 million. Approximately $110 million of these cash and non-cash charges are expected to be recorded in 2026, with the remaining portion to be recorded in 2027. The site is expected to cease operations in the first quarter of 2027. These actions are expected to improve the ongoing profitability of Westlake's European chlorovinyl operations.

About Westlake

Celebrating 40 years of operations in 2026, Westlake is a global manufacturer and supplier of materials and innovative products that enhance life every day. Headquartered in Houston, with operations in Asia, Europe and North America, we provide the building blocks for vital solutions - from housing and construction, to packaging and healthcare, to automotive and consumer goods.

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