Texan takes up refinery reins (From Western Telegraph)

Texan takes up refinery reins

Texan oilman Darrel Jacob (pictured) took over the reins of the Total refinery at Milford Haven last week.

He succeeds Bob Cosic, who has taken up a post in South Africa with the company. It is Mr Jacob's first international assignment and he is relishing the challenge. The plant reaches its 30th year of production in the autumn.

"I have certainly not been sent here with instructions to close its doors," he said. "My aim is to ensure the facility continues on a safe and environmentally sound basis and returns dividends to it shareholders."

The company is confirming its confidence in the plant through investment next year. 'There is a lot of potential here," said Mr Jacob. "The biggest issue in the UK market is clean fuels and lower levels of sulphur. The refinery has identified a project for that, for 2004/2005."

Mr Jacob and his wife, who have a grown-up daughter, have never lived abroad before. "Although we have travelled and been to Scotland, where my wife has distant relatives, we have never visited Wales," he said.

"We have been out and about and have found it very green and the coastal area very scenic. We were told before we came the people were friendly and helpful and we have found that to be true."

Living temporarily at Broad Haven, they will shortly move to St Florence. Said Mr Jacob: "I am very happy to be at the refinery. The site has a reputation in the company that it has good people who are interested in making the site better."