2024 marks a special year for the refinery as it celebrates 100 years of continuous operation at the site. It reflects not just a major achievement for the refinery, but also for the families from the surrounding communities who have worked and continue to work at the site to power the UK’s future.
A century of progress
Established in 1924, Stanlow began as a bitumen plant under Shell, focusing on blending and distributing imported oil products. The demand for refined fuels during World War II catalysed its expansion into producing aviation spirit, crucial for fuelling the nation’s fighters and bombers that defended its coastlines from the threat of Nazi invasion.
Following the war, and recognising the strategic importance of proximity to customer markets, a fully-fledged crude oil refinery was constructed and completed in 1952.
Stanlow’s journey from a bitumen plant to a comprehensive refinery underscores its adaptability and importance. Since its construction it has been instrumental in fuelling the UK’s transportation, infrastructure and manufacturing sectors. It supplies major retail fuel brands, supermarkets, Manchester Airport, and regional transport networks, including trains and buses.
In 2011, the Essar Group acquired Stanlow from Shell, and has invested over $1billion to date into a series of modernisations and enhancements to the refinery’s capabilities under the name, Essar Oil UK. Essar then established Essar Energy Transition (EET), in February 2023, with the intention to create the UK’s leading energy transition hub in the North West with Stanlow spearheading this initiative.
As part of this transition, Essar Oil UK rebranded to EET Fuels in January 2024, symbolising a new chapter for Stanlow as it shifts towards future fuels, and a focus on becoming the UK’s first low-carbon refinery. EET Fuels’ plans to decarbonise include Industrial Carbon Capture and Hydrogen Fuel Switching projects with the aim of supporting the UK’s decarbonisation policies, and also of creating long-term, highly skilled jobs within the Northern Powerhouse economy.
Celebrating community and legacy
The centenary celebrations are as much about acknowledging the community as they are about celebrating Stanlow’s legacy. The refinery has been a vital source of skilled local employment and economic stability across generations.
Starting as an apprentice in 2004, Stuart Clarke has worked as both field and panel operator on various production units for almost two decades, and now serves as a Production Team Leader. He also happens to work at the refinery alongside elder brother, Neil (Refinery shift manager) and younger brother, Gavin (Utilities Production Specialist), as well as cousin Christian and his cousin, Matt.
Despite having an 11-year age gap, Stuart and Neil’s work on the same SHOP (Shell Higher Olefins Production) plant has certainly kept the family close, and the Stanlow refinery has served to keep the broader family in touch. “We all have our own families now, with 8 children between us, so, as you get older, time spent with each other naturally reduces. However, working together at Stanlow means we still get to see each other as much as possible”.
“I think working at the same location has kept us ‘up to date’ with each other’s lives.” Neil added. “I left home when Stu and Gav were quite young, so, even though we’ve almost been two separate families, Stanlow has kept us together”.
Stuart commented: “Stanlow and Essar have been very important for keeping the family connected. I’ve had the privilege of representing the company during AFC Essar’s title winning season in the Chester and Wirral League Division One, whilst lifting the inaugural Stanlow 100 Cup at Prenton Park ahead of my brothers and nephew is undoubtedly a crowning moment.” Inter- company sport tournaments are enabled by EET Fuels, who focus on fostering close engagement with the surrounding communities.
“As local residents, my family has relied on Stanlow as our primary source of employment for many years, and I sincerely hope it continues to be so for many years to come. It’s been a privilege to contribute to Stanlow’s rich 100-year history and I hope we continue to help shape the next 100 years.”
Looking ahead, Stanlow’s future is exciting. The refinery’s centenary is not just a celebration of its past but also a commitment to the families and communities that have worked and engaged with the site.
As the Clarkes and countless others have contributed to its rich history, Stanlow’s future is set to continue to be impactful, ensuring its role as a vital economic and environmental asset for the future.
Image supplied by EET
