Political leaders urged a joint effort to make the best of the challenges faced by the merger of Dow and DuPont.
Gov. Jack Markell
“Delaware has been home to DuPont’s global headquarters for more than 200 years and to an important Dow Electronics Materials business for decades. These are world class companies whose merger has the potential to spawn three well-positioned competitors in the agriculture, material sciences and specialty products sectors. “I have spoken to DuPont CEO Ed Breen about plans for DowDuPont. We have talked about the great business environment in Delaware and the many talented scientists, engineers and business leaders who call Delaware home and who can be at the center of growth for the three new businesses. We will continue to advocate that Delaware’s many advantages can be of major benefit to the new companies.
“None of this, of course, is of any solace for the workers and families who will be affected by this transition. The state is committed to supporting those affected by DuPont’s cost cutting in Delaware.”
John Carney, Congressman and candidate for governor
“DuPont has been part of the fabric of Delaware for over two centuries. There’s no doubt about the lasting impact this company has had on our state. Since its founding in Delaware, DuPont has been a source for jobs, philanthropy, and economic development. That’s what makes this decision especially disappointing.
A shift at DuPont has been ongoing for many years, as the company attempts to adapt to an ever-changing global economy. In the 1990s, DuPont had over 25,000 employees in Delaware – while today, there are fewer than 7,000. Throughout this transition, the state, and the people of DuPont have remained resilient. And I am confident we will continue to do so. This change serves as another stark reminder that we can’t take anything for granted in today’s rapidly evolving economy. And it underscores the need to redouble our efforts that make Delaware a great place for companies to do business and create jobs. I hope and trust that DuPont and Dow will seriously consider the many benefits of retaining business and jobs in Delaware. I will be working hard – along with my delegation counterparts – to make sure they do.
Lastly, and most importantly, I am committed to supporting Delawareans impacted by this merger with every means available to my office. I will work to help retirees who will be affected, and I will make sure that anyone who loses their job has the tools to find another. These employees, and their dedication to our state, are what make Delaware’s workforce our greatest asset.”
U.S. Sen Chris Coons
“DuPont is much more than an iconic company. DuPont is a central part of our state’s identity, and for generations, DuPont has offered good-paying jobs for so many Delaware families and fostered a culture of innovation and public service in our state.
“Delaware has a world-class workforce and extensive research and development resources that are simply unmatched, and I’m hopeful that DuPont and Dow leaders will continue investing in our state.
“It isn’t yet clear what this merger will mean for Delaware, but as we learn more, my focus will be on the pensioners and employees whose lives could be affected. It’s those families and our community I’m concerned about. I look forward to hearing more from DuPont and Dow leaders about what this merger will mean for pensioners, employees, and our state.”
Tom Gordon, New Castle County executive
“We’ve been contacted by the DuPont Co. and hope this will be an equal merger that recognizes the significant and lasting value of one of Delaware’s greatest companies,” New Castle County Executive Thomas P. Gordon said in a statement Friday morning.
“We are ready to help however we can,” Gordon added, “and we hope as many employees as possible will be retained here. We will certainly work with Governor Jack Markell to encourage the new, merged company to understand the potential for growth in Delaware.”
U.S. Sen, Tom Carper
“DuPont has been a Delaware company for over two hundred years, carrying with it a centuries-old tradition of success. It should come as no surprise that Dow has reportedly long been motivated to pursue a merger with DuPont. While the news certainly feels like a warning sign for turbulence ahead, I believe that in adversity lies opportunity. We can sit around, wring our hands and bemoan the hand that Delaware has been dealt – or we can roll up our sleeves, join hands and get to work finding the opportunity within this perceived adversity.
“I’ve always believed that one of the major roles of government is to create a nurturing environment for job creation and job preservation. Now, perhaps more than ever, our Congressional Delegation must immediately get to work with Governor Markell, the Delaware legislature, and business and community leaders across the First State to do all that we can to make the best out of this situation. Working together, Delaware can prove that if DuPont and Dow do merge, it’s the smart decision to locate a significant portion of their business here.
“It’s not the time to sit back and accept our fate. It’s time to seize the day. Carpe Diem!”
