Chemical Industry News, Data & Insights

Dow unveils Transform to Outperform for enhanced productivity and growth

Key highlights
  • Dow targets $2 billion near-term Op. EBITDA improvement.
  • The plan includes $1.1-1.5 billion in one-time costs.
  • Severance costs for 4,500 roles are estimated at $600-800 million.
  • Two-thirds of benefits are expected from productivity improvements.

Overview

Dow has announced a strategic initiative, Transform to Outperform, aimed at enhancing productivity and growth. The plan targets a $2 billion improvement in near-term operational EBITDA by simplifying operations, streamlining processes, and modernizing customer service.

Financial Impact

The initiative involves an estimated $1.1-1.5 billion in one-time costs. This includes $600-800 million allocated for severance related to approximately 4,500 roles. The company expects two-thirds of the benefits to arise from productivity improvements, with the remaining one-third from growth.

Implementation Strategy

Dow plans to leverage AI and automation to achieve these goals, aiming to deliver a step change in growth and productivity. The company has established a dedicated internal team to guide the transformation, focusing on simplifying work processes and resetting the cost structure.

Long-term Goals

The initiative is part of Dow's broader strategy to maintain global leadership by addressing structural industry challenges and enhancing shareholder returns. The company aims to build on its existing measures to ensure resilience and consistent growth.