HANGING ROCK — Americas Styrenics announced Tuesday it will reduce polystyrene production capacity at its Marietta facility by approximately 350 million pounds, meaning an estimated 60 jobs will be eliminated as part of the restructuring.

However at this time there appears to be no changes planned for the Americas Styrenics plant in Hanging Rock.

“Nothing is anticipated locally,” Carl Darling, plant manager of the local facility, said Wednesday morning. “We are affected by the same economy but nothing locally at this time.”

Americas Styrenics is a joint venture begun in late 2007 between Dow Chemical Co. and Chevron Phillips Chemical Co. Headquartered in Houston, Americas Styrenics produces polystyrene that is used for a range of every day products.

The entire operation employs approximately 600 employees with facilities in California, Connecticut, Illinois, Brazil and Colombia as well as Hanging Rock.

“Decisions like this that affect the lives of our employees are difficult,” said Tim Roberts, president and CEO of Americas Styrenics.

“However, our operations must reflect the current business environment. This move is designed to ensure the future success of the Marietta facility and of our business as a whole. We still have a very strong base of strategic assets and experienced employees,” Roberts said.

“This restructuring will secure a competitive position for Americas Styrenics moving forward.”

Despite the changes, the Marietta facility will continue to be Americas Styrenics’ largest polystyrene plant.