Union Carbide Corporation

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UCC plant in South Charleston, WV
Union Carbide is a polymer company specializing in some of the world's most advanced chemical technology. The company was formed in 1917, using the name Union Carbide and Carbon Corporation.  The company was the first to patent the commercial preparation of ethylene. Union Carbide opened the first commercial ethylene plant in Clendenin, WV.  Plants in Institute, WV, South Charleston, WV, and Texas City, Texas were opened within 30 years of the original plant at Clendenin.

Union Carbide and Carbon Corporation changed its name to Union Carbide Corporation (UCC) in 1957. In addition to a name change, the company invested in a number of other companies to expand the types of chemicals that could be produced. Union Carbide continued to grow and diversify until December 1984.

After the Bhopal tragedy, UCC sold many of the company's subsidiaries and was about to be taken over by GAF Corporation. After the unsuccessful takeover attempt, Union Carbide underwent many changes.  In 1994, Union Carbide Corporation sold its 50.9% interest in Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL) to McLeod Russel India Ltd., which became Eveready Industries India Limited.

The last major change came in 1999, when the Dow Company announced plans to buy UCC. The transaction was completed in 2001, costing 11.6 billion dollars. Union Carbide Corporation is now wholly owned by the Dow Company as a subsidiary.





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company logo
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Union Carbide plant on Baine Island
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Carbide and Carbon Chemical Company, a subsidiary of UCC
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