Forbes to Hold Summit on Future of Under-Threat Fife Chemical Plant
ExxonMobil has announced it will close its ethylene plant at Mossmorran, Fife, in February 2026, putting hundreds of jobs at risk. Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes is convening a summit with key stakeholders, including unions and government bodies, to explore support measures for workers and future opportunities at the site. The closure is attributed to economic and policy challenges making the plant uncompetitive.
ExxonMobil will close its Fife Ethylene Plant at Mossmorran in February 2026 after 40 years of operation, citing an uncompetitive future due to current economic conditions, policy environment, market challenges, high supply costs, and plant efficiency. This decision threatens around 400 jobs including permanent staff and contractors. The Deputy First Minister, Kate Forbes, is organizing a summit involving unions such as GMB and Unite, Scottish Enterprise, UK and Scottish governments, local councils, and other stakeholders to discuss support for affected workers and investigate potential new investment opportunities for the site. Ms Forbes emphasized the intent to retain employment and safeguard the skills base in Fife. Unions have expressed a strong commitment to protecting jobs and called for urgent, decisive action. The UK Government has stated it explored all reasonable support options but regards the closure as a commercial decision by ExxonMobil. The summit aims to consider all available measures to mitigate the impact on workers and community livelihoods while preparing a task force announcement to prioritize new opportunities at Mossmorran.
