11:59am Wednesday 10th March 2010
The news that Chevron plans to seek a buyer has prompted reaction from county politicians and the local authority.
The leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, Cllr John Davies said: “Obviously any speculation over the future of the refinery is unsettling for all concerned.
“On Tuesday afternoon, I received an undertaking from Chevron that proposed investment at the refinery will continue and that they have no plans to idle the plant. That is reassuring given that the refinery is such an important asset to the Pembrokeshire economy.”
Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Stephen Crabb said he was disappointed that Chevron has signalled it wants to sell the Pembroke refinery.
“The news is no surprise as BP has already quit refining in the UK and Shell has put its refinery in Stanlow up for sale too. The leading oil companies do not consider the UK an attractive market to refine petroleum products any longer. But, given the size and efficiency of the Pembroke refinery, I am hopeful that a smaller buyer will step in to make an offer for the facility.
"The Chevron brand, like its Texaco predecessor, has been associated with an enormous range of local charities and community projects in Pembrokeshire over the years. It will be sad to see it disappear from the County if a sale goes through and I hope that whichever company takes over the Pembroke refinery will recognise the importance of active community engagement," he added.
Regional AM Alun Davies emphasised the continuing support for apprentices at the site and the significant investment which has taken place there over the years.
“It will be a very worrying time for the 1,400 employees and their families who depend on these local jobs. However, we must remain confident that a buyer steps forward to continue operations here.
"I have already spoken with the First Minister Carwyn Jones to bring him up to date with the situation. I will be pressing the Welsh Assembly Government to do everything it can to work with the company, prospective buyers and our Government colleagues in Westminster to maintain the current level of local jobs which in turn supports the wider Pembrokeshire economy."
Carwyn Jones added: "As a Government we have already been in dialogue with Chevron seeking clarification about their medium and long term intentions.
“We have been assured there is no immediate threat to the Pembroke refinery - from either sale or closure. We will be doing all we can as a Government, to maintain this plant in the future."
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