Operations have resumed at the Tioxide chemicals plant in Greatham near Hartlepool following its acquisition by Chinese company LB Group, marking a significant turnaround just months after the previous owner, Venator, entered administration. Production recommenced in August, with the facility now employing approximately 267 people, a figure expected to rise above 300 as full capacity is restored.

The Greatham plant, which manufactures titanium dioxide—a pigment vital to products ranging from toothpaste to window frames—is ramping up toward an annual output of 150,000 tonnes. The site historically provided jobs for around 200 workers under Venator, but since the takeover, a concerted recruitment effort has enabled the re-employment of many former staff members, while retaining some who remained during the plant’s downtime under administrators.

Karen Askwith, managing director of Tioxide, highlighted the rapid progress made in the first seven weeks after the restart. She noted that production volumes and the variety of grades produced have already exceeded initial targets, and customer response, particularly in the local Teesside community, has been very positive. Askwith emphasized the challenges involved in safely restarting a major manufacturing facility alongside ongoing recruitment, crediting the dedication and expertise of the team for the achievement.

Approximately 77 percent of the current workforce are former Venator employees, bringing valuable experience with the site’s operations and products. LB Group has also invested in a new Tioxide headquarters in Stockton and retained research facilities at Wynyard, which were part of the acquisition completed in April.

Longtime Tioxide employee Scott Dunne expressed pride in witnessing the plant’s revival. Speaking during August’s production restart, Dunne described the sight of condensate emerging from the stacks and pigment flowing off the line as a powerful symbol of renewal. He reflected on the team's mix of staff—those who endured the administrative period and recent recruits—and conveyed optimism about plans to establish a second production line in the near future, ultimately aiming to restore the plant’s full operational capacity.