Citing weakness in the European economy, Dow Chemical Co. announced it will close four manufacturing plants and lay off 900 workers in order to save approximately $250 million in annual costs.

Dow Chemical Co. and Cobblestone Homes have opened their new net-zero energy home for the first time during the Midland, Mich., Spring Parade of Homes.

Dow Global Technologies, a subsidiary of the Dow Chemical Co., has announced the invention and development of a new brominated Polymeric Flame Retardant (Polymeric FR) material for use in foam insulation. The company intends to license the technology to other manufacturers.