XML 23 R10.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v3.6.0.2
RESTRUCTURING
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2016
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]  
Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block]
RESTRUCTURING

2016 Restructuring
On June 27, 2016, the Corporation approved actions to further improve cost effectiveness with additional workforce reductions. As a result of these actions, the Corporation recorded a pretax restructuring charge in the second quarter of 2016 consisting of severance charges of $1 million for the separation of approximately 5 positions. The impact of these charges was shown as "Restructuring charges (credits)" in the consolidated statements of income. In the fourth quarter of 2016, the Corporation recorded an additional charge of $2 million related to the separation of an additional 16 positions. The employee separations are expected to be completed during the next two years. At December 31, 2016, a liability of $3 million for the separation of approximately 15 employees remains.

2015 Restructuring
On April 29, 2015, the Corporation approved actions to improve the cost effectiveness of the Corporation's global operations and further streamline the organization. These actions affected approximately 16 positions and resulted in the shutdown of a manufacturing facility that produces water soluble polymers in Institute, West Virginia, in the fourth quarter of 2015.

As a result of these actions, the Corporation recorded pretax restructuring charges of $18 million in the second quarter of 2015 consisting of costs associated with exit and disposal activities of $2 million, severance costs of $2 million and asset write-downs and write-offs of $14 million. In the fourth quarter of 2015, the Corporation recorded an additional charge of $1 million related to the separation of an additional 8 positions. At December 31, 2015, severance of $1 million had been paid, leaving a liability of $2 million for approximately 15 employees.

During the second quarter of 2016, the Corporation recorded an unfavorable adjustment to the 2015 restructuring charge related to additional accruals for exit and disposal activities of $1 million, included in "Restructuring charges (credits)" in the consolidated statements of income. In 2016, severance of $2 million was paid, substantially completing the 2015 restructuring activities, with any remaining liabilities for contract cancellation fees to be settled over time.

The Corporation expects to incur additional costs in the future related to restructuring activities, as UCC continually looks for ways to enhance the efficiency and cost effectiveness of its operations. Future costs are expected to include demolition costs related to the closed facilities; these will be recognized as incurred. The Corporation also expects to incur additional employee­related costs, including involuntary termination benefits, related to its other optimization activities. These costs cannot be reasonably estimated at this time.

2014 Adjustment to the 4Q12 Restructuring Plan
In 2014, the Corporation reduced the 4Q12 restructuring reserve related to contract cancellations fees by $3 million.