Global energy giant ExxonMobil has confirmed it will shutter its Fife Ethylene Plant at Mossmorran, dealing a severe blow to Scotland's industrial landscape and placing hundreds of jobs in jeopardy.
Plant Closure Details and Job Losses
The company announced the facility, which produces base materials for plastics, is scheduled to cease operations in February 2026. This decision follows a comprehensive consultation process and an unsuccessful search for a buyer.
The closure puts 179 directly employed positions at immediate risk. A further 250 contractor roles are also threatened, amplifying the economic impact on the local community. ExxonMobil has indicated a potential lifeline for 50 staff members, who may have the opportunity to transfer to the Fawley Petrochemical Complex in Hampshire, nearly 500 miles away.
Economic and Policy Pressures Cited
In an official statement, ExxonMobil attributed the closure to a combination of market forces and governmental policy. The firm stated that the UK's current economic and policy environment, coupled with challenging market conditions, high supply costs, and plant efficiency concerns, rendered the site's future uncompetitive.
The plant has been a cornerstone of UK chemical production for 40 years. Its impending shutdown highlights the growing pressures on domestic manufacturing and the high-value employment it provides.
Political Reaction and Workforce Support
The announcement triggered swift responses from both the UK and Scottish governments. A spokeswoman for the UK Government expressed regret, emphasising that support was available through the Department for Work and Pensions' rapid response service and the PACE initiative. She noted this was a commercial decision following significant global challenges faced by ExxonMobil, including a recent plant closure in France.
However, Scotland's Deputy First Minister, Kate Forbes, voiced extreme disappointment at the sudden announcement. She highlighted the significant blow to Scotland's economy and the profound impact on the dedicated workforce and supply chain. Ms Forbes announced the Scottish Government would establish a taskforce to support affected workers but stressed that the majority of relevant powers, particularly concerning energy costs, reside with Westminster.
Robert Deavy, a senior organiser for the GMB union, delivered a stark critique, demanding concrete action from politicians. "Our members do not need more politicians wringing their hands or making more speeches promising just transitions," he stated. "There is nothing just about what is going on and there is no transition." He called for a coherent industrial strategy to prevent further economic carnage.
This closure follows the recent shuttering of the Grangemouth oil refinery, marking another devastating loss for Scotland's industrial central belt and raising urgent questions about the future of UK manufacturing and energy security.
