Jobs axe falls as chemical plant closure confirmed

The operator of a former ICI plant on the Fylde coast has confirmed it will stop production at the site making about 200 workers redundant.

AGC Chemicals Europe (AGCCE) made the announcement after the conclusion of a consultation with staff at the Thornton plant, which it says has experienced 'significant financial and operational challenges', generating a loss for the past four years.

Production is expected to end by December 31 this year, when AGCCE will begin winding down the Hillhouse site.

In a statement the company said: “Throughout the consultation period, we engaged with employee representatives, listened to feedback and explored options regarding the future operation of the site.

“Regrettably, AGCCE has concluded that there is no viable solution to keep the site operating in the context of a volatile and competitive market.

“We thank all our colleagues and their representatives for the open, honest and constructive discussions during the consultation, and greatly appreciate their professionalism and continued commitment during what has been a difficult time for them.

“Our priority now is to support employees through the redundancy process. We anticipate that some of the workforce will leave at the end of December 2026, with further redundancies during 2027.

“Enhanced redundancy packages and dedicated employment support will be offered to everyone affected, and specific information on such packages and support will be communicated directly to employees.”

AGCCE says it will continue to 'work collaboratively' with Wyre Council, the Environment Agency and other authorities regarding the future of the site.

It added: “AGCCE remains committed to ensuring compliance with all regulatory obligations, including maintaining the necessary staff for plant decommissioning, environmental permit compliance and any environmental monitoring that may be required.”

The operation on the Hillhouse Technology Enterprise Zone currently has around 190 employees as well as 18 agency staff.

AGCCE is part of Japan based AGC Group, one of the world's largest manufacturers of glass, chemicals, electronics materials and advanced technologies.

The operation, manufactures specialist fluoropolymer materials which are used across a range of industries.

AGC acquired the manufacturing facility from ICI in 1999. Fluoropolymer manufacturing at Hillhouse dates back to the 1950s and with ICI Hillhouse and the Burn Naze Chemical Works, the area has served as a major chemical manufacturing site since the 1890s.