Refinery upgrade secures 750 jobs (From Western Telegraph)

Refinery upgrade secures 750 jobs

Texaco has completed the first phase of the £44 million investment in its Pembrokeshire refinery.

Two 375-tonne heat exchanger structure modules, an integral part of the companys plan to manufacture fuel to European Union 2005 specification standards, are now in place.

The modules, built by Pembroke Dock-based Ledwood Mechanical Engineers, were shipped to the Rhoscrowther plant on a crane barge. They were lifted into position using a 2,000-tonne crane.

The same crane will be used to install two columns at the end of this month, the largest weighing in at 540 tonnes.

Texacos decision to press ahead with the multi-million pound upgrade has secured the jobs of the 750 full-time and contract staff at the refinery. The hydrotreater, on course to be completed by the end of the year, will be the first in Europe and will be in place four years ahead of the European deadline.

Texaco and local mechanical contractors, Ledwood and Jenkins and Davies, have formed an alliance to construct the new unit. Both contractors have committed around 145 workers to the project.

The last three years have been marred by over-capacity in the oil industry and questions had been asked about the long term viability of the Texaco refinery.

Its general manager, Roland Kell, admits that the £44 million investment probably saved it from closure.

The plant is Texaco's only 100%-owned refinery in Europe. Up to 210,000 barrels of fuel are produced there daily.

The heat exchanger modules arrive at Texaco.

Picture: Martin Cavaney Photography.