Defence firm seeks to convert Mossmorran ethylene site into weapons components plant
A defence contractor has applied to turn the former ExxonMobil ethylene complex at Mossmorran into an energetics manufacturing facility, prompting a required environmental impact assessment.
TBG International Limited, represented by director Ryan Hutchinson, submitted a pre-application request to Fife Council to develop an "energetics manufacturing facility" on the former ExxonMobil Mossmorran ethylene plant, which ceased production in February and will be decommissioned by early 2028. The plan includes process buildings, earth-covered storage magazines for explosives, and repurposing of current offices and warehouses.
Fife Council ruled on September 25 that an Environmental Impact Assessment is necessary, outlining the scope of construction and infrastructure. SNP MSPs David Torrance and David Barratt expressed the need for thorough community engagement and raised questions about safety, environmental effects, transport and the link to the UK government's call for increased domestic munitions production. The Ministry of Defence has been approached for further information, and the nearby Shell NGL plant remains operational alongside a proposed large data centre at Auchtertool.
Why it matters
A weapons-components factory near residential areas raises safety, environmental and community concerns.
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