Defence contractor submits plans for weapons factory at Mossmorran

A defence contractor has submitted proposals for a weapons factory at a former plastics plant in Fife.

Production ceased at the Mossmorran chemical works in February after owners ExxonMobil said it was losing a million pounds a week.

ExxonMobil said the site will be fully decommissioned, with the process expected to be completed by early 2028.

Around 180 staff, 200 contractors, and 50 other workers were affected by the closure.

The UK Government then pledged to support workers who lost their jobs with an investment of up to £9m and invited companies to submit proposals to meet its requirements for “bolstering munitions and energetics production in the UK”.

The Scottish Government also said it would fund 350 workers to receive training and employment support at Fife College before they were made redundant.

Last month, defence firm TBG International Limited, based in Hampshire, submitted a pre-application screening request to Fife Council.

The plans state the intention to erect an “energetics manufacturing facility” at the ethylene plant.

TBG’s website states the firm is involved in “developing, manufacturing and delivering defence systems, technologies and capabilities for the United Kingdom, NATO and allies”.