BP calls time on Baglan Bay site
24 Feb 2004
BP Chemicals announced recently that it is to close the last manufacturing plant at its Baglan Bay site in Port Talbot, South Wales.
Production of Isopropanol is scheduled to cease on March 31st 2004 and will mark the end of over 40 years of petrochemicals manufacturing at the site. The closure will result in approximately 55 BP job losses at the Baglan Bay site by the end of 2004.
Making the announcement, BP's Works General Manager, Gareth James, said, 'It is with great regret that I have to announce the closure of our single remaining plant at Baglan Bay.'
'Over recent years my staff have worked exceptionally hard to make this operation profitable but its small scale and the lack of feedstock or product integration has ultimately made this impossible,' added James. 'A review of our business strategy has made it clear that it is not viable to continue operations at Baglan.'
Business Manager for Isopropanol, Wayne Zakers, confirmed that the decision to close is based on the poor competitiveness of the business.
Zakers added, 'Steps are being taken to safeguard supply to BP's Isopropanol customers, and this is progressing well. Following this announcement, BP will be contacting its customers to discuss options for continuity and we are confident that this will be well-received.'
