The proposal would affect 377 workers and comes about a year after more than 400 people lost their jobs when the Grangemouth oil refinery, Scotland’s last, closed. According to the Press Association report carried by The Independent, Syngenta received more than £2 million in Scottish Enterprise funding just over a year ago to expand its Scottish site.
Syngenta Says the Grangemouth Plant Cannot Compete With Other Production Sites
Syngenta said operating costs at Grangemouth remain significantly higher than at its other production facilities, despite attempts to narrow the difference. The company said it had carried out a detailed review of the site while facing increasing international competition and what it described as challenging energy conditions.
According to Syngenta, the savings identified during that review would still not be enough to close the competitiveness gap between Grangemouth and alternative production locations. The company said it is committed to what it called a genuine consultation with trade unions and employee representatives, during which other options for the site could still be considered.
Mike Hollands, global head of production and supply at Syngenta Crop Protection and president of Syngenta UK, said the Grangemouth workforce was highly skilled and passionate. He said that, despite the company’s efforts, it had not been possible to make the site competitive with alternative supply options.
“It is with a very heavy heart that we make this proposal,” Hollands said, adding that Syngenta intended to conduct a constructive consultation and continue considering possible alternatives during the process.
The announcement follows a period of significant job losses around Grangemouth. The proposed closure, combined with the refinery shutdown in 2025, could bring the number of jobs lost from the two sites to nearly 1,000.
Political Representatives Raise Concerns Over the Impact on Grangemouth
The announcement prompted concern from elected representatives in Central Scotland, who focused on the effect another large industrial closure could have on workers and the surrounding community.
According to The Independent, Scottish Greens co-leader and Central Scotland MSP Gillian Mackay described the proposal as “another devastating blow” for Grangemouth. She said governments should do more to protect employment and ensure workers benefit from the transition towards a greener economy.
Mackay, who said Grangemouth is her home, also expressed concern about the consequences for the local community if the closure goes ahead. She said she would work to secure support for employees affected by Syngenta’s decision.
Conservative MSP Meghan Gallacher also criticised the prospect of further job losses, describing the announcement as another major setback for the area. She referred to the closure of the oil refinery and the Alexander Dennis plant in Falkirk, and called on the Scottish and UK governments to work together to protect employment and support those affected.
A Scottish Government spokesperson said the Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport had been informed of Syngenta’s intention to begin a formal consultation earlier on Thursday, shortly before the proposal was announced publicly. For now, the Grangemouth plant remains subject to that consultation process. Syngenta has said no final decision has been made and that alternative options for the site may still be considered.
