Exxon Mobil Closure Threatens Mossmorran Jobs

Hundreds of employees at Exxon Mobil's Fife plant have been told their jobs are at risk as the petrochemical company prepares to close a portion of its plant.

sarah

Nov 18, 2025 - 21:01

Exxon Mobil Closure Threatens Mossmorran Jobs

The company has confirmed that the Fife Ethylene Plant (FEP) in Mossmorran will close in February.

A spokesperson for the global energy company said that given the current economic and policy environment and market conditions in the UK, the plant does not have a "competitive future."

Local MP Melanie Ward described the plant's closure as "devastating" and said she would do everything possible to support affected employees.

More than 400 jobs, including permanent employees and contractors, are expected to be affected.

The plant has been producing ethylene through a process called thermal or steam cracking for nearly 40 years.

Exxon Mobil said it had been seeking a buyer for several months and would clean up and demolish the plant once production ceases.

The plant plans to "fully consult with employees" before closing.

Shell, which processes natural gas liquids at the Mossmorran plant, said it was not affected by the closure.

It added that its operations at St. Fergus in Aberdeenshire, which supplies natural gas to the ExxonMobil plant at Mossmorran, were also unaffected.

ExxonMobil said the closure of the FEP, which has been a "cornerstone" of chemical production in the UK, reflects the challenges of operating in a policy environment that is causing "the rapid exit of vital industries, domestic manufacturing, and the high-value jobs they support."

A company statement said: "We understand and regret the impact this will have on our loyal and valued employees, contractors, and local communities."

"Our priorities now are to support our people through this challenging period and continue safe operations until the end of production."

Melanie Ward, MP for the Labour Party's Cowdenbeath and Kirkcaldy constituency, said the closure was "devastating."

"I am deeply angered that contract workers have been forced off the site this morning," she said.

"Reports I am receiving indicate that Exxon employees, many of whom have been working for decades, have been told they will lose their jobs, but have no information about the severance packages they will receive."

She said that "attempts have been made for months to engage in good faith negotiations with the company," but the company "has not been open about its intentions or what the government can do to save the plant and jobs."

She added: "Anyone who needs assistance should contact my office and we will do everything we can to assist them."

Speaking in the House of Commons, UK Energy Security Minister Michael Shanks said his government "stands ready to provide all possible support" to Mossmorran employees.

The Rutherglen MP said the news from Fife was "extremely worrying" and added that the government is in "regular contact" with Exxon Mobil, which he said is facing "serious global challenges."

A UK government spokesperson said it stands ready to assist affected employees through the Department for Work and Pensions' rapid response service.

"The UK government made every effort to assist this site, but Exxon faces serious challenges globally, and this step comes shortly after the closure of another chemical plant in France," a government statement said.

"Our focus now must be on supporting employees in the coming months."

'A blow to Scotland's economy'

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said she was "extremely disappointed" by the plant's announcement.

In a statement, Ms. Forbes said the Scottish government would set up a task force to discuss what steps it could take, but she urged the British government to consider how it could support workers.

"The news of the potential closure of the Fife Ethylene plant and the loss of so many high-value jobs is a huge blow to the Scottish economy," he said.

"I have met with businesses on several occasions and expressed my deep concern about the impact this announcement will have on the dedicated workforce, as well as the contractors and supply chain companies whose employment depends on this site."

Murdo Fraser, business spokesman for the Scottish Conservative Party, said the proposed closure is "another major blow to the Scottish economy."

"It will also impact many other suppliers and contractors and, following the layoffs in Grangemouth, will have a devastating impact on the local community."

The oil refinery in Grangemouth closed its doors earlier this year after more than a century of operation, with operator Petroineos citing rising costs.

More than 400 jobs were lost, with both the Scottish and UK governments working to ensure the safety of the workforce and subsequent relocation.

Green A £200 million funding package was announced in February to support transformation of energy projects.