'All options on table' to save Syngenta jobs - Flynn

The Scottish Government will “explore every option” to save nearly 400 workers at risk from a planned chemical maker factory closure, Stephen Flynn has said.

The Economy Secretary said Syngenta’s proposals to axe its Grangemouth base were “deeply concerning” and a “profound disappointment”.

The agricultural chemical maker, owned by Chinese state-owned conglomerate Sinochem, last week confirmed it was looking at shutting the site by the end of 2027, citing expensive operational costs.

In a statement to the Scottish Parliament, Mr Flynn said: “I want to place on record my profound disappointment at the decision.

“I give workers at Syngenta my assurance that this Government will do all it can to secure a future for the site by working with the company, other businesses and key stakeholders to explore every option for continued operations over the coming months.”

He said both the Scottish and UK Governments had approached Syngenta in September about support for the site.

He added: “Despite those efforts, it is disappointing that neither Government received substantive feedback on our offer, nor any indication from Syngenta on the board’s position prior to being informed of the proposed consultation last week.”

A little more than a year ago, Syngenta – which makes crop protection products used by farmers globally – was awarded in excess of £2 million by Scottish Enterprise to expand its operations in the country.

The firm said about half of this had been paid out and it pledged to pay the funding back in full if the site closes.

Mr Flynn said he had written to Scottish Enterprise “to ensure no stone is left unturned in its efforts to retain operations in at least some form on the existing site”.

He added the Scottish Government “will ensure that no option for a sustainable future for the site is overlooked, and that workers will remain at the centre of our response”.

But he said “many of the challenges” facing the firm “lie outside devolved powers”, adding he had written to the UK Government urging “meaningful action” on Grangemouth.

Mr Flynn added: “The UK Labour Government has consistently professed it supports Grangemouth, yet not one penny of the £200 million commitment from the National Wealth Fund has been deployed.

“That support is needed now.”

Syngenta has said “no final decision” has been made on the site and was “committed” to considering alternative options for the site.

Mike Hollands, Syngenta UK president, previously said: “The workforce at Grangemouth is highly skilled and passionate but, despite all efforts, we have not been able to make the Grangemouth site competitive compared to alternative supply options.

“It is with a very heavy heart that we make this proposal, but we are committed to a constructive consultation and will continue to consider options as part of that process.”

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