ExxonMobil announces closure of chemical units at Gravenchon site
by ChemOrbis Editorial Team - content@chemorbis.com
According to media reports, on April 11, ExxonMobil Chemical France revealed plans for the permanent shutdown of its chemical units at Gravenchon in Normandy, France, slated for 2024.
The closure will affect the steam cracker and its downstream units, including polyethylene, polypropylene, and adhesives facilities at the company’s Gravenchon site. The facility has the capacity to produce 250,000 tons/year of PP and 425,000 tons/year of LLDPE.
Company officials cited persistent losses totaling over €500 million since 2018 as the primary driver behind the move. This decision will ripple through the local economy, eliminating 677 jobs by 2025, according to the media. The closure timeline indicates a phased reduction in workforce, with the first wave of layoffs expected as early as April-May 2025, followed by a second wave in November 2025.
Despite the setback, ExxonMobil will continue operations at the Esso refinery in Port-Jérôme-sur-Seine. The refinery will maintain production levels to supply fuels, lubricants, and other products to the French market.
The closure will affect the steam cracker and its downstream units, including polyethylene, polypropylene, and adhesives facilities at the company’s Gravenchon site. The facility has the capacity to produce 250,000 tons/year of PP and 425,000 tons/year of LLDPE.
Company officials cited persistent losses totaling over €500 million since 2018 as the primary driver behind the move. This decision will ripple through the local economy, eliminating 677 jobs by 2025, according to the media. The closure timeline indicates a phased reduction in workforce, with the first wave of layoffs expected as early as April-May 2025, followed by a second wave in November 2025.
Despite the setback, ExxonMobil will continue operations at the Esso refinery in Port-Jérôme-sur-Seine. The refinery will maintain production levels to supply fuels, lubricants, and other products to the French market.
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