Finding Work After the Venator Shutdown

What happened to Venator Materials UK?

In October 2025, Venator Materials UK, a leading producer of titanium dioxide (TiO₂) pigment, entered administration. The decision affected its Greatham, Wynyard, and Birtley sites, resulting in more than 270 redundancies (The Northern Echo).

Administrators from Alvarez & Marsal confirmed that 273 workers were made redundant, while 232 have been retained to manage sites and complete asset sales. The company had been struggling with rising energy costs, intense competition, and a long downturn in global TiO₂ demand (ICIS).

The shutdown has left a lasting impact on Hartlepool and surrounding areas, where Venator has long been a pillar of the local chemical industry.

Why did Venator close its UK sites?

The closure was caused by a combination of financial and structural pressures. Venator faced falling pigment prices and high operating costs that made production in the UK increasingly difficult.

A deal was reached to sell the Greatham plant to LB Group, a Chinese chemicals manufacturer, but redundancies were announced before the sale completed. Unite the Union described the move as a “betrayal” of local workers.

Venator’s collapse reflects wider challenges in the UK’s process and manufacturing industries, where high costs and overseas competition have forced companies like INEOS and Pensana to cut staff or relocate production (Financial Times).

Will Venator reopen in the future?

Administrators have stated that the Greatham site will remain in an idle state until the sale to LB Group is finalised (BBC News). While there is potential for operations to resume under new ownership, there is no confirmed timeline for a restart.

For now, most of Venator’s former employees will need to explore new opportunities in related sectors. Fortunately, their experience in chemical manufacturing, maintenance, and process safety remains valuable and transferable.

What jobs can I do after redundancy from Venator?

Many skills gained at Venator apply directly to other growing industries. Employers continue to look for workers who understand production processes, safety standards, and technical systems.

- Pharmaceutical and biomedical manufacturing

- Food and drink production

- Renewable energy and waste management

- Engineering and fabrication

- Warehousing and logistics

Each of these sectors values attention to detail, safety, and teamwork. Workers with process experience often adapt quickly and perform well in new environments.

How to identify and promote your transferable skills

When applying for new roles, it helps to show employers the value of your experience. Venator staff developed practical and compliance-based skills that can support a wide range of operations.

- Process operations: Working with plant systems, automation, and chemical control.

- Health and safety: COSHH knowledge, risk assessments, and NEBOSH or IOSH certification.

- Maintenance and mechanical work: Familiarity with pumps, valves, and instrumentation.

- Quality assurance: Experience with ISO standards, laboratory testing, and audits.

Updating your CV to reflect these strengths can help you stand out to employers in engineering, energy, and manufacturing.

Where are the best jobs in the North East after the Venator closure?

The North East continues to grow in advanced manufacturing, energy transition, and green technologies. Investment in battery production, construction materials, and recycling has created steady demand for process operators, technicians, and maintenance staff (The Chemical Engineer).

- Energy storage and renewables

- Construction materials

- Engineering maintenance

- Environmental monitoring

- Logistics and transport

These roles provide stable opportunities for people with technical skills and production experience.

How to find a new job after redundancy

Taking the next step in your career starts with clear preparation.

- Update your CV with qualifications, training, and achievements.

- Register with a specialist recruiter. Rhino Recruitment works with UK manufacturers to connect skilled workers with new roles.

- Explore related industries. Many renewable energy and production employers need staff with similar expertise.

- Prepare for interviews. Use examples that show your reliability, problem-solving, and safety awareness.

- Stay connected. Follow local industry groups, online job boards, and regional training providers to stay informed.

Each of these actions increases your visibility to employers and helps you move forward with confidence.

Support for workers affected by the Venator shutdown

Losing your job can be difficult, but there is support available. Many companies are offering training and transition programmes for people with industrial experience. Recruiters are working closely with employers to fill vacancies in engineering, production, and logistics.

If you were affected by the Venator closure, now is the time to review your skills and explore new opportunities. The North East has a strong record of resilience and remains home to some of the UK’s most innovative industrial employers.

Final thoughts

The Venator shutdown marks the end of a long chapter in the North East’s chemical manufacturing story, but it also opens a path for new beginnings. The skills, discipline, and teamwork built at Venator continue to be in demand across many industries.

If you’ve been affected by recent redundancies in the North East, Rhino Recruitment can help you find your next role here.