ExxonMobil to close Mossmorran plastics plant in Fife, putting hundreds of jobs at risk
ExxonMobil has announced it will close the Mossmorran plastics plant (Fife Ethylene Plant) by February 2026, subject to full employee consultation. This closure puts 179 direct jobs and 250 contractor roles at risk, although up to 50 staff may transfer to the Fawley Petrochemical Complex in Hampshire.
The company cited a challenging UK economic and policy environment, high supply costs, and plant efficiency issues as reasons the site is no longer competitive. ExxonMobil explored options and tested for potential buyers before reaching this decision.
The closure highlights ongoing difficulties operating within a policy framework that accelerates the exit of vital industries, affecting domestic manufacturing and high-value jobs. Earlier this year, the Grangemouth refinery also closed, resulting in more than 400 job losses, underscoring broader industrial challenges and calls for a planned transition from trade unions.
The UK government described ExxonMobil's decision as commercial and expressed readiness to support affected workers through the Department for Work and Pensions' rapid response service, alongside the Scottish government's PACE initiative. A senior UK government source confirmed extensive engagement with ExxonMobil prior to the announcement.
Scotland's Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes called the news extremely disappointing and a significant blow. She announced a taskforce will be established to support the workers, although most powers related to the closure rest with the UK government.
