The Dow Chemical Co., Midland, MI, and Reichhold Inc., Research Triangle Park, NC, announced the start-up of operations for Dow Reichhold Specialty Latex L.L.C., a latex joint-venture business. In a related move, Dow has also acquired Reichhold's carpet and paper latex businesses. The joint venture involves a range of latex products manufactured by both companies, with end uses that include latex gloves, textile printing, and construction materials. The venture company is based in Research Triangle Park, NC, and will operate two latex production facilities, in Cheswold, DE, and Chickamauga, GA.

The Dow Chemical Co.'s Oxide Derivatives Business, Midland, MI, announced plans to idle the company's ethylene oxide derivatives production unit in Wilton, UK, on April 1. The unit produces glycol ethers and ethanolamines.