Syngenta, the Swiss-owned agricultural technology company, has announced plans to end operations in Scotland, putting almost 400 jobs at risk in Grangemouth next year.
The company, which produces crop protection and seeds for farmers worldwide, said the site faces high costs and remains significantly more expensive to operate than other production sites, despite substantial efforts to reduce the difference.
Consultation and alternatives
Syngenta said that no final decision has been made and that it remains committed to genuine consultation with trade unions and employee representatives, and to considering alternative options or paths forward for the site.
Mike Hollands, Syngenta Crop Protection’s Global Head of Production and Supply and President of Syngenta UK, said: “The workforce at Grangemouth is highly skilled and passionate, but despite all efforts, we have not been able to make the Grangemouth site competitive compared to alternative supply options.
“It is with a very heavy heart that we make this proposal, but we are committed to a constructive consultation and will continue to consider options as part of that process.”
Competitiveness gap
The company said it had identified areas with savings potential and explored options for its formulation technologies, but these efforts would still fall short in bridging the site’s competitiveness gap.
The announcement marks another significant setback for Scotland's industrial base, with the potential loss of hundreds of jobs in Grangemouth next year.
