Monday 14 September 2026
Following the conclusion of a consultation process with employee representatives, AGC Chemicals Europe, Ltd. (AGCCE) has today announced the decision to cease manufacturing at its Hillhouse site in Thornton Cleveleys.
This decision was taken by AGCCE in consultation with unions and employee representatives. Looking ahead, production is expected to cease by 31 December 2026, when AGCCE will begin winding down the site.
Throughout the consultation period, we engaged with employee representatives, listened to feedback and explored options regarding the future operation of the site. Regrettably, AGCCE has concluded that there is no viable solution to keep the site operating in the context of a volatile and competitive market. We thank all our colleagues and their representatives for the open, honest and constructive discussions during the consultation, and greatly appreciate their professionalism and continued commitment during what has been a difficult time for them.
Our priority now is to support employees through the redundancy process. We anticipate that some of the workforce will leave at the end of December 2026, with further redundancies during 2027. Enhanced redundancy packages and dedicated employment support will be offered to everyone affected, and specific information on such packages and support will be communicated directly to employees.
AGCCE will continue to work collaboratively with Wyre Council, the Environment Agency and other authorities regarding the future of the site. AGCCE remains committed to ensuring compliance with all regulatory obligations, including maintaining the necessary staff for plant decommissioning, environmental permit compliance and any environmental monitoring that may be required.
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For enquiries, please visit the Contact Us page on our website – https://agcce.com/contact/
