Sunoco idles key processing units at Pennsylvania refinery, cites weak market
US refiner Sunoco is indefinitely idling the main processing units at its refinery in Marcus Hook, Penn., citing deteriorating refining market conditions.
The company said it now expects to begin idling the Marcus Hook facility immediately while it continues to seek a buyer and also pursues options with third parties for alternate uses of the facility.
Sunoco said it also intends to increase the capacity utilization rate of its Philadelphia refinery and will continue to operate the refinery as long as market conditions warrant.
However, if a suitable sales transaction cannot be implemented, the company intends to permanently idle the main processing units at the Philadelphia refinery no later than July 2012.
“Market conditions have deteriorated significantly and the outlook for both motor fuel demand and refining margins remains weak,” said Lynn L. Elsenhans, Sunoco’s CEO.
”Our retail and logistics businesses are performing well, but given the negative realities of the Northeast refining marketplace, we need to accelerate the timeline for idling our Marcus Hook processing units," she added.
Sunoco will redeploy salaried Marcus Hook refinery employees to other positions within the company where possible. Salaried employees who are not redeployed are eligible for severance benefits and job placement services.
The company will enter into effects bargaining with union officials regarding idling the facility. Represented employees will continue to work or receive wages and benefits for 90 days, as provided by the existing labor contract.
“This was a very difficult decision given the impacts to employees and nearby communities, and we will work closely with them throughout this process,” Elsenhans said.
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