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Sunoco announced Monday it is permanently closing its ethylene refinery that straddles Claymont and Marcus Hook, Pa.
The company said there is not enough demand for ethylene or its byproducts to justify repairing or replacing equipment damaged in a May 17 explosion at the facility.
"This was a very difficult decision because it will result in the layoff of approximately 40-50 employees," said Sunoco Spokesman Thomas Golembeski. "It is never easy to take steps that impact the lives of workers and their families. Sunoco has begun negotiating with Local 10-901 of the United Steelworkers Union, which represents employees at the refinery, to finalize severance and other terms of separation."
The polymer manufacturing facility located adjacent to the refinery will continue to operate.
A preliminary investigation into the May 17 fire indicates that a pipe failed, leading to the release of combustible ethylene gas. The investigation into the root cause of the pipe failure is ongoing.
In coordination with the Delaware State Fire Marshal, the damaged section of pipe was removed from the refinery and sent to an independent, third-party laboratory for detailed testing.
“Once the cause of the failure is confirmed, Sunoco will use the findings to take any additional corrective action that may be warranted and will share this information with industry to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future," Golembeski said. "Sunoco’s top priority is the safety of its employees and the communities where the company operates."
Sunoco announced Monday it is permanently closing its ethylene refinery that straddles Claymont and Marcus Hook, Pa.
The company said there is not enough demand for ethylene or its byproducts to justify repairing or replacing equipment damaged in a May 17 explosion at the facility.
"This was a very difficult decision because it will result in the layoff of approximately 40-50 employees," said Sunoco Spokesman Thomas Golembeski. "It is never easy to take steps that impact the lives of workers and their families. Sunoco has begun negotiating with Local 10-901 of the United Steelworkers Union, which represents employees at the refinery, to finalize severance and other terms of separation."
The polymer manufacturing facility located adjacent to the refinery will continue to operate.
A preliminary investigation into the May 17 fire indicates that a pipe failed, leading to the release of combustible ethylene gas. The investigation into the root cause of the pipe failure is ongoing.
In coordination with the Delaware State Fire Marshal, the damaged section of pipe was removed from the refinery and sent to an independent, third-party laboratory for detailed testing.
“Once the cause of the failure is confirmed, Sunoco will use the findings to take any additional corrective action that may be warranted and will share this information with industry to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future," Golembeski said. "Sunoco’s top priority is the safety of its employees and the communities where the company operates."
