Understand
Scottish government pledges to do all it can to secure future of Syngenta's Grangemouth plant
Overview
The Scottish government has stated it will do everything possible to secure the future of chemical firm Syngenta's Grangemouth plant after the company announced plans to close the site by the end of 2027, putting nearly 400 jobs at risk. Economy Secretary Stephen Flynn expressed profound disappointment at the decision, noting neither the Scottish nor UK governments were informed in advance. Syngenta collected £1m of Scottish Enterprise funding last year to expand production, which it has pledged to pay back if the site closes. The company cited international competition and high operational costs as reasons for the closure.
Key points
- Syngenta announced plans to cease all operations at its Grangemouth plant by the end of 2027, placing nearly 400 jobs at risk.
- Economy Secretary Stephen Flynn stated the Scottish government will do all it can to explore options for the site's continued operations.
- Neither the Scottish nor UK governments were informed of the proposal ahead of the company's announcement.
- Syngenta collected £1m of Scottish Enterprise funding last year to expand production and has pledged to return the money if the site closes.
- The company stated the Grangemouth facility was no longer competitive due to increasing international competition and higher operational costs compared to other production sites.
- The Unite union has demanded decisive action and is pressing for a pause in the closure plans to explore all options.