Dow to cut about 2,500 jobs globally

NEW YORK (AP) - Dow Chemical says it will eliminate about 2,500 jobs worldwide, or about 4 percent of its workforce, as it looks to close some plants ahead of its merger with DuPont.

The two agriculture and chemical companies announced their plan to merge in December. After the merger, the companies plan to split the combined company into three separate publicly traded companies focused on agriculture, material science and specialty products.

Dow Chemical Co. said Tuesday that it will shutter silicone manufacturing plants in Greensboro, North Carolina and Yamakita, Japan. It's also looking to close some administrative, corporate and manufacturing facilities, but did not give further details on their locations.

Dow Chemical and DuPont plan to hold separate shareholder meetings on July 20 to vote on their merger.