Syngenta Proposes Closing Grangemouth Site Risking 377 Jobs
Syngenta announced plans to close its Grangemouth operations in Scotland due to high costs and international competition, putting 377 jobs at risk.
Syngenta, a chemical manufacturer owned by the Chinese state company Sinochem, announced plans on October 1, 2026, to close its operations in Grangemouth, Scotland. The proposal puts 377 jobs at risk, with the company citing high operating costs and an inability to remain competitive against alternative supply options.
The decision follows a May 2025 grant of £2.2 million from Scottish Enterprise intended to expand production. Syngenta stated it will repay approximately £1 million of that grant if the site closes following formal consultations with unions and employees.
Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary Stephen Flynn expressed strong opposition to the closure and urged the UK Government to allocate £200 million previously committed to the Grangemouth industrial cluster. Secretary of State for Scotland Douglas Alexander characterized the move as a commercial decision but pledged support for the affected workforce.
The potential shutdown adds to the industrial decline of the region, following the closure of the Grangemouth oil refinery last year which resulted in more than 400 job losses.
