Westlake (NYSE:WLK) Corporation (NYSE: WLK) is a publicly traded global manufacturer and supplier of petrochemicals, polymers and building products. The company operates through two main segments: Petrochemicals, which produces olefins, vinyls and related derivatives; and Building Products, which supplies insulation, roofing, siding and engineered wood solutions. Westlake’s integrated operations include the production of ethylene, vinyl chloride monomer, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resins and caustic soda, as well as downstream products such as chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) and other specialty plastics.
In the petrochemical sector, Westlake leverages its feedstock advantages and operating scale to produce a range of base chemicals that serve diverse industrial markets. Ethylene and propylene produced at its fully integrated complexes are used to manufacture packaging films, automotive components and consumer goods. Westlake’s vinyls product line supplies raw materials for PVC pipes, window profiles, siding, fencing and other building materials. The company also produces chlor-alkali products for applications in water treatment, pulp and paper and agriculture.
Westlake maintains manufacturing facilities across North America, Europe and Asia, with major complexes located along the U.S. Gulf Coast and in China. Its international presence is bolstered by joint ventures and strategic partnerships that enhance its supply chain and market access. In recent years, Westlake has expanded its footprint through acquisitions of complementary businesses, enabling synergy realization in logistics and raw-material feedstocks. The company’s distribution network and technical service capabilities support customers in more than 100 countries.
Founded in 1986 by the Chao family, Westlake has grown from a regional specialty manufacturer into a diversified chemicals and building products enterprise. Leadership is anchored by Chairman and CEO Albert Chao, whose family legacy includes multiple decades of experience in the global chemical industry. Westlake emphasizes safety, sustainability and innovation as key pillars of its strategy, with ongoing investments in process technology, energy efficiency and environmental stewardship to maintain competitive advantage and drive long-term growth.
