Hartlepool chemical plant resumes production under new ownership

Production has restarted at the titanium dioxide pigment facility in Greatham, Hartlepool, following its acquisition by LB Group. The site, formerly operated by Venator Materials UK, has reopened under the name Tioxide Materials Limited. This development marks the resumption of streamlined operations after the plant was placed into administration last year, an event that resulted in significant workforce reductions across the company’s northern sites.

The restart is being implemented in phases, with the company aiming to reach full production capacity by early 2027. Titanium dioxide is a white pigment widely used in coatings, plastics and inks. Karen Askwith, the managing director, described the return of skilled manufacturing employment to the North East as a positive outcome. She noted that the material is ubiquitous in daily life, appearing in items such as white window frames, wall paint and protective site hats.

Following the administration, 130 staff members were retained to maintain site safety during the idle period. Since LB Group purchased the assets in April, 70 positions were announced, of which more than 60 have been filled. The business has since listed another 60 vacancies. Tioxide projects that the site will employ approximately 300 people once it is operating at full capacity in 2027.