MONTREAL – Time is running out for Shell Canada’s landmark 135,000 barrels a day oil refinery in the east end of Montreal and its 500 workers.
The Calgary-based company said Wednesday it has been informed by the last potential bidder for the plant that "it has withdrawn from the talks."
Shell Canada said it has been trying to find a buyer for the refinery for a year. The withdrawal of the last of three potential bidders from talks means the refinery will continue to produce petroleum products until an undisclosed date in September.
Then production will stop as the work of converting the plant into a distribution terminal starts, said spokesman Ed Greenberg in Calgary.
He said Shell is determined to treat the employees fairly. It has organized two career days and taken other steps to help them find new jobs. The terminal will require only about 25 permanent employees.
The shutdown will leave Montreal with just one refinery – it had six in operation during the ’70s. Quebec’s only refinery is at St. Romuald, opposite Quebec City.
"Comprehensive efforts were made during that one-year period to market the plant to a number of parties without a buyer being found," said Greenberg later. "With the terminal, we’ll continue to supply our Quebec customers with top quality and innovative gasoline, diesel and aviation fuels."
More details to Come
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