Workers in Limbo takes the final delivery as the Vivaro Fuels Plant

Paul Murphy and Holi Philips

BBC News

Stacey Monkman says it is difficult to maintain morale on the site

BBC A woman wearing a bright orange security jacket, clear glasses and a white rigid hat — Stacey Monkman says it is difficult to maintain morale on the site

At a fuel plant near the plow, 20 tons of wheat is being dumped from a lorry into storage, which is converted into ethanol – a type of wine that is mixed with petrol to reduce carbon emissions.

But this week’s delivery, grown in areas of Lincolnshire, is the last on order for vivo fuel.

Owners of the UK’s largest bioethonol plant in Salternd say that its future is in doubt after a government. Decision to abolish 19% tariff Recently on American imports of fuel as part of the UK-US trade deal.

Last month, Vivrago, which is owned by Associated British Foods (ABF), began to consult the staff about the closure of the plant due to uncertainty.

Managers are calling for financial assistance from ministers. Without it, they say that the production at the site – which employs more than 160 people – can stop before September 13.

They estimate that about 4,500 jobs will be affected in the supply chain, including wheat growing farmers and truck drivers that transport it.

The government says it is in formal discussion with the company and “wants to find a method that protects the supply chain, jobs and livelihood”.

Nick Smalli oversees production at Vivaro plant

A man wearing bright orange security jackets, clear glasses and a white rigid hat — Nick Smalli oversees production at Vivaro plant

Stacey Monkman, who has worked in Vivaro for three years in commercial and logistics departments, says it is difficult to maintain morale.

“We are inspired because we have still found our work to do, but it is very unstable.

“Being in Limbo and waiting, don’t know which path it is going on,” she says.

“We all have got families, we all have got bills to pay … we have a lot of ride on it.”

Production Manager Nick Smole began as a trainee and now manages around 65 people in the refinery.

“It is really disappointing that these decisions are being made and we have no effect on them,” they say.

“I care deeply about the team that I have, I want a bright future for all those people. We really need quick action, it is reaching the crisis point.”

Aghul Boss Mike Green is one of those suppliers who rely on site for business

A man with short brown hair and blue eyes stand in front of a yard of a warehouse structure that is looking at the camera. He is wearing an orange reflective security jacket. In the background, a large HGV is parked, in which two figures run near it. — Aghul Boss Mike Green is one of those suppliers who rely on site for business

Initially with ABF, production in Saltndend was already cut due to low bioathanol prices. Raising the possibility of closure In April. Trade deal took place in May.

These are not only vivaro employees who are affected. The plant buys more than one million tonnes of British wheat every year from more than 4,000 fields and says it has bought 12,000 individual farms in the last decade.

Gainsboro, near Lincolnshire, Pickering and sons farmer Matt Pickering sold the last load of wheat to Vivrago.

“We struggle with our land type quality, so we go out to out-and-out wholesale volume shed fillers,” they say.

“Vivergo has been a great house for us to sell feed wheat for us.”

Meanwhile, Aghul Limited, who took the last wheat load to the plant, is one of the transport companies that feel a shock.

Managing Director Mike Green believes that the potential loss of the contract would be an important “knock-on impact” for their carriage business.

“The government needs to keep an eye on it because it just does not affect me, there is a humble volume of people that it is influenced.”

Vivergo Humber’s fuel site on the northern coast

VIVERGO/ PA Media VIVERGO with the outer part of the fuel plant, behind the huge metal canists, metal railings and other gray metal buildings on the front. A wide river can be seen in the background along with the fields and rural areas. — Vivergo Humber’s fuel site on the northern coast

Vivaro Managing Director Ben Hacket has described the plant as “an important foundation on the entire green economy”.

The market was destroyed by removing the tariff on American imports, they argue.

“Customers have gone overnight. This has led us a real crisis. We cannot take the risk of operating this feature as a loss,” they say.

Shri Hackett wrote to the producers earlier this year that the plant would only be able to respect the existing constitutions for the purchase of wheat, while uncertainty continues.

In addition to providing financial assistance to the government, he has urged the government to support bioathanol production by creating a clear structure to promote demand.

“We are the farthest weeks to decide on the viability of the business,” they say.

“This site can close very well until the government takes action.”

‘way forward’

A government spokesperson said that the bioethanol industry had been facing “important challenges” for some time and the ministers were working with Vivaro on a plan to protect jobs and supply chains.

Connection with companies continued “at speed” and external advisors were brought to help.

The spokesperson said, “We believe that it is a subject for workers and their families, which is why we formally discussed the possible financial assistance last month with the company.”

“We will continue to take active steps to face the long -standing challenges in front of the company and will be committed to work together in this period, so that a plan can be offered in a way that protects the supply chain, jobs and livelihoods.”