Limetree Bay Refining, LLC (“Limetree Bay” or the “Company”) today laid off more than 200 employees due to extreme financial difficulties. In June, the Company announced that it would be suspending its plans to restart the refinery, resulting in a workforce reduction of its 271 employees effective September 19, 2021.
“It is a sad day today as we say goodbye to the dedicated men and women who worked so hard to restart the refinery,” said Jeff Rinker, Limetree Bay’s CEO. “Restarting the refinery after being idled for almost a decade was a tremendous challenge that this team approached with professionalism and energy; while the outcome was not as we had hoped or intended, I remain deeply grateful for their efforts and we remain hopeful that the refinery will restart at some future date under new ownership.” The Company continues to work with its advisors to review potential strategic alternatives for the refinery.
A small number of employees and contractor personnel will remain at the refinery beyond September 19 to continue preparing the site for the extended shutdown, which includes safely purging gases and removing any residual oil and products from the pipes and equipment. In addition, several other refinery workers have been able to secure employment at the neighboring Limetree Bay Terminal.