MAYOR SECURES COMMITMENT FROM SABIC TO PROTECT TEESSIDE JOBS
Posted on 11 September 2025
The Tees Valley Mayor has secured a vital commitment on the future of the Teesside chemical plant which will secure jobs for local workers.
Mayor Ben Houchen has this week held talks in Saudi Arabia with chemical company SABIC on the future of its Teesside operations following its decision to close its Olefins 6 cracker plant in Wilton.
The Mayor has secured a commitment the company’s Polyethylene plant will continue operations despite the planned closure of the cracker.
A package of support for workers at risk of potential redundancy in the Teesside chemical sector has also been launched by the Tees Valley Mayor.
Mayor Houchen said it was vital local workers get the right support and reaffirmed his commitment to fighting for local jobs and investment in Teesside.
To provide immediate help for workers affected by job losses, a dedicated Taskforce has been established by the Mayor in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions and the National Careers Service.
It will coordinate retraining, careers advice, and practical support to ensure people can quickly access new opportunities across the region at sites such as Teesworks and the Teesside Freeport.
The Mayor travelled to Saudi Arabia for talks with SABIC’s Chief Executive Abdulrahman Al-Fageeh to press the company to maintain its presence in Teesside, safeguard local jobs, and commit to long-term investment.
The pressure on the local chemical industry comes after the Government excluded the chemicals and process sector from its Industrial Strategy and failed to secure protections for the industry in the UK–US trade deal, giving the USA unfettered access to UK market, making domestic ethanol production unviable.
Despite this national failure, the Mayor insists his focus remains on defending local jobs and ensuring Teesside continues as a global centre for industries of the future.
Mayor Houchen said: “Teesside has powered this country for generations and our skilled workers remain second to none. While this Government may have turned its back on the chemical sector, I won’t.
“The decision to close the cracker plant is a serious blow to our local chemicals sector however I am pleased to have secured this commitment from Sabic on the future of its Polyethylene, which will continue to play a key role in our process industry.
“Teesside has always come first in anything I do. I will fight in boardrooms overseas and here at home to protect local jobs, attract new investment, and secure our long-term future.
“For anyone impacted by these job losses, you won’t face this alone.
“Through the Taskforce we have set up with DWP and the National Careers Service, we’ll make sure you get the advice, support and training you need to get back into work. I will always look after and fight for the people of Teesside.”
To access support led by the Taskforce, workers can email the Tees Valley Combined Authority Adult Skills team at AEB@teesvalley-ca.gov.uk
