Syngenta to consult on possible closure of Grangemouth plant, risking 377 jobs

The chemical maker said a decision is pending and cited high operating costs despite recent Scottish Enterprise funding.

By Felo News Desk · Published Thu, 01 Oct 2026 21:50:53 GMT

Syngenta, the chemical manufacturer owned by Chinese state firm Sinochem, announced on Thursday that it has begun formal consultation with trade unions and employees about a possible shutdown of its Grangemouth site in Scotland, putting 377 jobs at risk.

What happened

The company said no final decision has been made, but the consultation follows a statement that the Grangemouth plant is "significantly more expensive to operate than other production sites, despite substantial efforts to reduce the difference". If the plant closes, the loss would add to the roughly 1,000 jobs already lost in the area since 2025, including the 400‑plus workers displaced when the Grangemouth oil refinery shut last year.

What the reports add

All three outlets – the Independent (two versions) and the Evening Standard – reported the same core facts: the initiation of formal consultation, the number of jobs at risk (377), and the background of recent Scottish Enterprise funding of more than £2 million to expand the site. None of the sources provided additional details about the consultation process or alternative options.

What was said

Mike Hollands, global head of production and supply for Syngenta Crop Protection and president of Syngenta UK, told the outlets that the company is "committed to genuine consultation with trade unions and employee representatives" and that it may consider "alternative options or paths forward for the site".

How it came about

The proposed closure follows a year after Syngenta received Scottish Enterprise funding to expand its Scottish operations. The Grangemouth site, once a key part of Scotland’s chemical industry, has faced rising costs that the company says make it less competitive than other locations. The announcement comes amid broader concerns about job security in the region, echoing recent coverage by Felo News on large‑scale job losses such as the Greggs factory closures.

Key facts

Syngenta has entered formal consultation over a possible shutdown of its Grangemouth site. (independent.co.uk)
The consultation could affect 377 jobs at the plant. (independent.co.uk)
Syngenta said the site is significantly more expensive to operate than other sites. (independent.co.uk)
The company received more than £2 million in Scottish Enterprise funding to expand the site. (standard.co.uk)
Mike Hollands said Syngenta is committed to genuine consultation with unions. (independent.co.uk)