Prax Lindsey Oil Refinery has ended manufacturing, officers says

Manufacturing has ended at a Lincolnshire oil refinery, the federal government has confirmed.

Lindsey Oil Refinery, close to Immingham, was taken over by the Official Receiver in June after its proprietor Prax Group went into administration, placing 420 jobs in danger.

Harriet Eisner, a Unite regional co-ordinator, mentioned provides of crude oil ran out on Friday.

Vitality Minister Michael Shanks beforehand mentioned “no credible gives” had been made to buy your complete refinery and it will be “winding down operations”.

The federal government mentioned the Official Receiver would proceed promoting refined merchandise for plenty of weeks, giving consumers time to regulate their provide chains.

Earlier this week, the chief of North Lincolnshire Council urged the federal government to maintain the refinery open for longer to permit a possible purchaser to return ahead.

Council chief Rob Waltham mentioned its closure can be a “devastating blow” and “hundreds of jobs” had been in danger on the refinery and within the provide chain.

He known as on ministers to offer fast monetary help for provide chain companies, in addition to safety for staff’ pensions and a government-backed remediation and redevelopment plan for the location.

The refinery’s proprietor went into administration after recording losses of about £75m over the course of three years.

Shanks mentioned the federal government was “deeply upset with the untenable place during which the house owners left Prax Lindsey Oil Refinery”.

The Official Receiver was persevering with to “pursue curiosity” from potential consumers for “particular person belongings”.

“Our sympathies are with the employees, their households and the local people,” he added. “All these instantly employed on the refinery are assured jobs over the approaching months.”