Texaco is a major employer in Pembrokeshire and this announcement is good news for the local community

Roland Kell

The general manager at the plant, Roland Kell, said: "Essentially this work will increase our feedstock flexibility, positioning us to supply all of Texaco's requirements for Ultra Low Sulphur Petrol, which will in turn be of benefit to the environment."

"This is a further demonstration of our commitment to west Wales, " added Mr Kell.

"Texaco is a major employer in Pembrokeshire and this announcement is good news for the local community."

The massive Texaco refinery currently employs 750 full-time and contract staff and produces a fifth of all petrol used in Britain.

Texaco's managing director Jim Hawn was at the refinery to make the announcement.

Harsh realities

"Over the past two years Pembroke and other European refiners have faced some very harsh economic realities, but these plans will position Pembroke to take advantage of changing market conditions, " said Mr Hawn.

He also confirmed that Texaco plans to introduce the new EU specifications which will dramatically reduce the sulphur content in petrol in October 2000, to its network of service stations in Wales.

The roll-out of the reduced sulphur petrol which be complete across the UK by the end of 2001, said Mr Hawn.

The move will allow UK motorists to switch to the new cleaner fuel four years ahead of the European Union deadline, he added.