The Society of Chemical Manufacturers and Affiliates (SOCMA) has appointed Lawrence (Larry) D. Sloan as president and CEO, effective Feb. 10, 2010.

The Houston Business Journal reports on BASF’s planned sale of its Clear Lake, TX, manufacturing facility to Clear Lake Chemicals LLC, a subsidiary of Gulf Bayport Chemicals LP.

The Associated Press reports that LyondellBasell Industries recently received a buyout offer from Reliance Industries.

In the third quarter of 2009, Henkel generated sales of 3,485 million euros.

Reuters reports that Panolam Industries International Inc. has begun a voluntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceeding in U.S. Bankruptcy Court.

Expressandstar.com reports on a suspicious fire at the R A Wood Adhesive Tapes factory in Britain.

PoliticsDaily.com reports that President Obama is considering a plan similar to the successful Cash for Clunkers program that would encourage Americans to improve the energy efficiency of their homes.

The Lubrizol Corp. has announced its decision to close its Chagrin Falls, OH, overprint coatings manufacturing facility.

The Associated Press reports that Celanese Corp.’s third-quarter earnings doubled thanks to a one-time tax benefit.

A leak in a Dow Chemical underground pipeline has prompted the evacuation of more than 60 homes in Freeport, TX.