Workers at Valero Pembroke Refinery are celebrating the successful completion of a major planned maintenance turnaround at the plant.

Refinery general manager Ed Tomp praised the efforts of personnel, and said: "Completing the turnaround is a major achievement, and entirely thanks to the hard work and determination of our staff and the many local engineering companies that support the Pembrokeshire energy sector. Without their contributions the turnaround simply would not have been possible. Everyone has put in an incredible amount of time and effort, with over one million work hours completed. Our appreciation also goes out to the families of those working on the turnaround for their support whilst their loved ones have been working these extended hours."

Starting in late September, the turnaround saw an additional 1,600 contractors join the core refinery workforce of around 1,000 to complete a series of complex inspections, repairs and engineering projects to improve the refinery's reliability and performance. During the turnaround, major upgrades were made to the refinery's processing equipment, including the replacement of one of the refinery's flare stacks.

Tomp added: "Turnarounds deliver many additional direct and indirect benefits to the community. The vast majority of jobs go to Pembrokeshire people during the turnaround, which is a boost for household incomes and that money goes straight back into the local economy. Many hotels and restaurants will also have benefited from the spending by the specialist travelling contractors employed for the duration of the turnaround.

"With nearly £60 million spent on capital projects in the two years preparing for the turnaround, and an additional £60 million spent on maintenance during the turnaround, this is another significant investment into the Pembrokeshire economy by Valero for the future of the refinery."