Union Carbide

Union Carbide Corporation (UCC) is an American chemical company headquartered in Seadrift, Texas. Since 2001, it has been a wholly owned subsidiary of the Dow Chemical Company. Union Carbide makes chemicals and polymers that customers change into everyday products. These products serve many markets, including paints, packaging, wires, household items, personal care items, medicines, cars, textiles, farming, and oil and gas.

The company began in 1917 as the Union Carbide and Carbon Corporation, formed from a merger with the National Carbon Company. Its researchers found a cost-effective way to make ethylene from natural gas liquids like ethane and propane, which helped start the modern petrochemical industry. Over time, Union Carbide sold several businesses, such as Eveready and Energizer batteries, Glad bags, Simoniz car wax, and Prestone antifreeze. Before joining Dow, it also sold electronic chemicals, polyurethane products, industrial gases, and carbon products. Today, Union Carbide remains an important part of the Dow Jones Industrial Average.

History

The Union Carbide and Carbon Corporation was formed on November 1, 1917, from a merger of several companies. It began making chemicals for cars and later expanded into many other products. In 1957, it changed its name to Union Carbide Corporation.

During the Cold War, the company worked on aerospace projects, creating materials for rockets and missiles. In 1986, it sold its battery business, which included well-known brands like Eveready and Energizer. After a major industrial accident in 1984, Union Carbide faced financial challenges and sold many of its brands. In 2001, Dow Chemical Company purchased Union Carbide, making it a fully owned part of Dow.

Hawks Nest Tunnel disaster

Main article: Hawks Nest Tunnel disaster

The Hawks Nest Tunnel disaster happened between 1927 and 1932 in West Virginia during a tunnel project led by Union Carbide. Workers discovered a mineral called silica and were asked to mine it, but they were not given proper masks or breathing equipment. Many workers later developed a serious lung disease called silicosis because of the dust from the silica. This event is considered one of the deadliest industrial disasters in American history.

A congressional hearing discussed the tragedy, and estimates of how many people died vary, with some sources suggesting hundreds of workers lost their lives.

Asbestos mining and 'Calidria' brand fibers

In the early 1960s, Union Carbide Corporation started mining a new type of material called chrysotile asbestos near King City and New Idria, California. They sold these fibers under the brand name "Calidria," a mix of "Cal" and "Idria," for many uses such as adding to building materials. Later, in the 1980s, Union Carbide sold the mine to its employees, who ran it for just a few more years.

1984 Bhopal disaster

Main article: Bhopal disaster

Union Carbide India Limited, owned partly by Union Carbide and partly by Indian investors, ran a pesticide factory in Bhopal, a crowded city in Madhya Pradesh. This factory made important chemicals, but it was placed too close to where many people lived, against safety rules.

On December 3, 1984, a dangerous gas leaked from the factory. This gas hurt many people living nearby. Sadly, many people died, and thousands more were injured. It became one of the worst industrial accidents in history. The company later paid money to help the victims, but the area has still not been fully cleaned up.

1985 West Virginia gas leak

One year after the Bhopal disaster, a problem at a Union Carbide plant in Institute, West Virginia caused a cloud of gas to escape. This gas hurt six workers and made nearly 200 nearby people feel sick. The gas came from a chemical used in a farm pesticide called Temik. Union Carbide said the problem was due to a faulty valve and insisted it was not a danger to the community.

Union Carbide in Australia

Union Carbide began its operations in Australia in 1957 by buying a factory from a local company called Timbrol Ltd. This factory was located near Sydney in a place called Rhodes, close to Homebush Bay. The factory made chemicals used in insecticides and herbicides.

Union Carbide stopped working at this site in 1985. Later, it was required to clean up the area because of pollution left behind. This cleanup took several years and involved removing a lot of soil and sediment to make the area safe again.

New York headquarters building

Main article: 270 Park Avenue (1960–2021)

The former Union Carbide headquarters was located at 270 Park Avenue in New York City. This 52-story building, designed by the firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, was completed in 1960. In 1983, Union Carbide moved its headquarters to Danbury, Connecticut. The building later became the home of JPMorgan Chase before it was demolished and replaced with a new, taller tower.

Leadership

Union Carbide had many leaders over the years. Some of the presidents included George O. Knapp from 1917 to 1925, Jesse J. Ricks from 1925 to 1941, and Warren M. Anderson from 1976 to 1982.

Other important leaders were the chairs of the board, such as Fred H. Haggerson from 1951 to 1958 and Robert D. Kennedy from 1986 to 1995.