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ExxonMobil Shuts Fife Ethylene Plant, Begins Decommissioning Through 2028

The move ends more than 40 years of output, with a smaller team kept on to wind down the site.

Overview

  • Production permanently ceased on February 2, earlier than previously indicated, after a weekend of flaring, with reports citing an operational issue that would have required days to repair and restart.
  • ExxonMobil says the facility will be fully decommissioned and made safe for dismantling, with the process expected to conclude by early 2028.
  • Around 400 roles are at risk, with about 69–70 redundancies due at the end of April, roughly 90 staff retained through decommissioning, and around 20 employees relocating within the company.
  • Contractor impacts are significant, with reports that about 250 contractors worked at the Mossmorran site.
  • Unite condemned the early shutdown as a betrayal of workers, while the Scottish Government pledged £9 million over three years for skills and employability support and UK ministers said they are working to secure opportunities including job interviews at the Grangemouth cracker.