WESTLAKE CORPORATION Stock Price, News & Analysis

Westlake Chemical Partners GP , the general partner of Westlake Chemical Partners LP (NYSE: WLKP), has announced a significant leadership change. Jean-Marc Gilson, former President and CEO of Mitsubishi Chemical Group , has been appointed as the new President, CEO, and Board member of Westlake Chemical Partners GP

This succession plan involves Albert Chao transitioning to Executive Chairman of the Board, while James Chao becomes Senior Chairman of the Board. These appointments are effective immediately. The change is part of a carefully planned succession strategy aimed at positioning Westlake Chemical Partners for future growth and continued long-term value creation.

Westlake (NYSE: WLK) has announced a significant leadership transition. Jean-Marc Gilson, former President and CEO of Mitsubishi Chemical Group , has been appointed as the new President and CEO of Westlake, effective immediately. This marks a historic moment as Gilson becomes the first non-family CEO in the company's history.

Albert Chao, who has served as CEO for the past 20 years, will transition to the role of Executive Chairman of the Westlake Board of Directors. James Chao, the current Chairman of the Board, will assume the position of Senior Chairman. This carefully planned succession aims to position Westlake for future growth while maintaining its family culture of long-term value creation.

Gilson brings 25 years of executive experience in the chemicals industry across the United States, Europe, and Asia. He will also serve as President, CEO, and director of Westlake Chemical Partners GP , the general partner of Westlake Chemical Partners LP (NYSE: WLKP).

Westlake Vinnolit has been recognized with two significant awards by the Polymers for Europe Alliance. The company won the PVC category of the 2024 ‘Polymer Producer Awards’ and the ‘Overall Award – Decarbonization’. These awards cite Westlake Vinnolit's achievements in areas like delivery reliability, circularity, quality, communication, innovation, and commitment to the European market. Their GreenVin® product line, which includes CO2-saving PVC resins, was highlighted as a major contributor to their success. This product line is produced using renewable electricity and saves up to 90% CO2 compared to conventional PVC.

Westlake Vinnolit, headquartered in Ismaning, Germany, employs 1,400 people, generating annual sales exceeding €1 billion. The company supports sustainable development initiatives and participates in the chemical industry's Responsible Care program.

Olin (NYSE: OLN), part of the Ad Hoc Coalition of Epoxy Resin Producers, has prompted the European Commission to initiate an anti-dumping investigation into epoxy resin imports from China, South Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand. The Coalition alleges these countries' exporters have significantly undercut EU prices, causing harm to the European epoxy resin industry. The complaint suggests dumping margins between 10% and 170%, depending on the country. If proven, additional duties may be imposed to restore market fairness. The investigation also echoes similar anti-dumping measures under review in the U.S. Ensuring a level playing field could bolster the EU epoxy resin industry's supply chain resilience, job market, and economic security.

Westlake Innovations, a subsidiary of Westlake (NYSE: WLK), has announced an investment in the Blackhorn Industrial Impact Fund II. This fund aims to support 40 capital-efficient companies focused on decarbonizing difficult-to-transition sectors in the U.S. economy. The investment aligns with Westlake's commitment to sustainability and innovative technology. Managed by Blackhorn Ventures, the fund targets sectors such as energy, transportation, logistics, and the built environment, leveraging engineering and science breakthroughs for resource efficiency. Blackhorn Ventures has a portfolio of 65 companies addressing significant economic issues like labor and housing shortages, supply chain resilience, energy security, and the electrification of transportation infrastructure.

Westlake Royal Building Products, a division of Westlake (NYSE: WLK), has introduced four new colors—Treated Cedar, Platinum, French Roast, and Storm Cloud—to its Mid-America shutters line. This addition aligns with current trends in siding colors, enhancing the open louver, raised panel, board & batten, and louver/panel combo shutters.

Steve Booz, VP of marketing, highlights that these shutters not only beautify homes but also elevate overall curb appeal through vibrant color options and accurate architectural designs. Mid-America's shutters are designed for easy installation across various home exteriors, ensuring enduring vibrancy with SolidThru™ Colors, even in the case of scratches or impacts.

Westlake Global Compounds has partnered with FourKites to enhance its logistics and customer service with real-time shipment tracking. This collaboration will leverage FourKites' advanced supply chain visibility platform to predict and prevent shipment disruptions. The integration will provide a comprehensive view of Westlake's supply chain across all SKUs, shipments, orders, and facilities, primarily in the US. This move aims to improve decision-making, enhance customer satisfaction, and position Westlake at the forefront of the PVC compounds market. Westlake Global Compounds operates facilities in multiple countries including China, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Spain, the US, and Vietnam.

Westlake (NYSE: WLK) announced that its European Epoxy business has received a 2024 Gold Medal from EcoVadis. This places Westlake Epoxy in the top 5% of the chemical industry for corporate social responsibility (CSR) performance. The evaluation by EcoVadis, a global leader in business sustainability ratings, assessed Westlake Epoxy across Environment, Labor & Human Rights, Ethics, and Sustainable Procurement. The company scored 75 out of 100 points, ranking in the 97th percentile among its peers. Dr. Karl-Martin Schellerer, Senior VP for Europe and Asia, emphasized the firm's commitment to sustainability and continuous improvement. Westlake Epoxy is a key producer in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and construction.

Westlake Royal Building Products (NYSE:WLK) will showcase its 'Be Boundless' campaign, new product innovations, and top industry trends at the Pacific Coast Builders Conference (PCBC) in Anaheim, CA on June 19-20, 2024. Featured brands include Eldorado Stone, Cultured Stone, DaVinci Roofscapes, and Celect Siding, among others.

The 'Be Boundless' campaign focuses on Innovation, Connection, and Expression. Key industry trends highlighted will be Design Versatility, High-Performance Products & Materials, and Innovative Industry Solutions.

New product highlights include Dutch Quality Stone’s new colorways, Eldorado Stone’s Rivenwood™, and advanced roofing solutions like DaVinci Roofscapes and Unified Steel Stone Coated Roofing. Additionally, the company will participate in the Wildfire Prepared Home demonstration, showcasing Unified Steel Coated Roofing and related components.