Jobs at risk as chemicals firm put up for sale

Venator has sites in Greatham, Wynyard and Birtley in the UK

Hundreds of jobs have been put at risk at a chemicals company which was put up for sale after administrators were called in.

Venator Materials plc, based in Wynyard near Hartlepool, employs 2,249 people globally, and about 520 staff across north-east England.

Administrators Alvarez and Marsal said they were working to sell UK businesses operating from Greatham, Wynyard and Birtley.

Venator President and CEO Bryan Snell said he recognised the news was "unsettling" but he hoped for a "successful sale" to sustain the long-term future of the businesses.

Unite regional officer Fazia Hussain-Brown said workers were "very concerned" about their futures.

There are about 200 Unite members across Venator's three sites in the North East, most of them based at the Greatham facility.

"Unite is actively engaging with the administrators and is using all of its resources to actively support our members," Ms Hussain-Brown said.

The company, which produces titanium dioxide pigments and performance additives, operates internationally, including in the UK, Spain, France, the US, Malaysia and Germany.

The main UK trading company, Venator Materials UK Limited, is not in administration and is trading as normal, including its US and French businesses.

'Protect jobs'

Mr Snell said: "Our priority is to work alongside the administrators and do everything we can to support a successful sale of available entities."

Administrators have been appointed for the group's three holding companies, Venator Materials plc, Venator Materials International UK Limited and Venator Investments UK Limited.

Stockton North Labour MP Chris McDonald said he had been in touch with Venator.

"I am working closely with the union and those on site to understand the next steps and to do everything possible to protect jobs on Teesside," he said.

"The future of the site will depend on a sale to a new operator.

"The plant and its workforce are excellent, producing a world-class product that Teesside should be proud of."

Joint administrator Mark Firmin said the group had been "severely impacted" by increased competition and rising costs in recent months.

"The appointment of administrators now provides a platform for restructuring," Mr Firmin said.

"We will work closely with the Venator leadership team to progress the sale of the UK businesses and other businesses worldwide."