By the early 21st century, West Virginia’s chemical industry had changed in the face of growing global competition. Many old companies closed or merged. In 2001, Dow Chemical bought Union Carbide. Other plants, like the Goodyear and Monsanto sites, were sold or shut down due to foreign competition or bankruptcy. Fewer workers were needed because companies moved closer to cheaper natural gas and oil, and technology made processes more efficient. Even with fewer jobs, the chemical industry still plays an important role in West Virginia’s economy.