DuPont to lay off close to 2,000 in Delaware

Devastating and shocking are just a few of the words being used by Delaware’s leaders to describe the news that DuPont will soon lay off close to 2,000 of Delaware workers as part of their merger with Dow Chemical Company.

In a letter addressed to Delaware workers Tuesday DuPont CEO Ed Breen essentially said the layoffs were their best choice, writing in part, “I want to reinforce that these decisions were made only after careful and serious deliberation, taking into account every possible alternative.”

The move sent shock waves across the first state, garnering the attention of the state’s political leaders.

“This is a very hard day for Delaware,” said Sen. Chris Coons (D).

Coons also scrutinized the decision made my the long-time staple in Delaware, saying,”I’m very concerned that’s what going on here is putting short term stock market values ahead of long term fundamental values, the values that have built our community and built a world class research organization here.”

The good news, according to Breen, is that the DuPont Specialty Products business will remain headquartered in Wilmington, Del.

In his letter Breen also said that as part of the merger with Dow Chemical, that there will three new independent companies created.

Coons said that the’s working with Rep. John Carney (D) and Gov. Jack Markell (D) to make a play so at least one, if not two, of those companies will end up in Delaware.

“We have, as the congressional delegation the opportunity to put our best foot forward and to fight for Delaware as a place that would be the headquarters of a new agriculture company that will come out of this merger,” Coons said.

According to Carney, Delaware’s main competition for the agricultural business will be Des Moines, Ia. , but he feels Delaware’s resources put the first state in a strong position.

As for the approximate 1,700 lay-offs over the next year, Carney said the focus now is encouraging those talented workers to stay.

“I think one way we can help the most is to put a consortium of folks together that would identify other employment opportunities, other opportunities for them to take their scientific expertise and maybe start their own small businesses,” Carney said.

According to Dupont an update on the discussion to pick the location for the Agricultural headquarters should be announced in the months ahead.