Engineering news
The Milford Haven refinery in west Wales is to be sold to industrial commodities group Klesch, safeguarding 400 jobs.
Klesch will buy the 938-acre site from current owner Murco, bringing to an end a lengthy period of uncertainty at the closure-threatened facility.
Milford Haven is one of the biggest cracking refineries in the UK, being capable of producing ultra-low sulphur transportation fuels at a capacity of 135,000 bpcd.
Gary Klesch, founder and chairman of Klesch Group, said: “The acquisition of the Milford Haven refinery came about as the result of positive engagement between all stakeholders. We look forward to using our considerable industry expertise to return the site to profitable growth.
“By taking a long-term investment view we aim to secure the future of this refinery for its employees and the broader community.”
Unite, one of the largest unions in Wales, welcomed the deal. Allan Card, Unite Wales officer, said: “Today’s confirmation is great news for the workforce and for Wales.
“Unite, our members and supporters in the local community and further afield, have worked tirelessly to secure the future of the refinery itself and the employment it provides.
“The safeguarding of the jobs at the refinery is testament to this hard work on the ground and with the Welsh and Westminster governments.”
The Milford Haven complex is an important supplier of UK transportation fuels. Output is broken down across several sectors: 33% - petrol; 33% - diesel; 14% - fuel oils; 10% - kerosene and jet fuel; 10% - LPG and refinery fuel.
The complex is one of the biggest employers in west Wales, supporting a supply chain spread out across the region.