Perhaps Mr. Hurley is smart enough to recognize what working for Mr. Purves is like, he might even be an avid follower of this blog…

In all seriousness, I can certainly understand the good folks at Norco feeling the way they do. If you look at how Norco fits with in the Motiva refining portfolio, you will soon recognize that they do not fit at all. Since Saudi crude is primarily sour, and the Saudi’s own half of Norco, and Norco is a “Sweet” crude refinery their position is not a favorable one. If you look at the other half owner of Norco you will see a bloated Oil company that is in all appearances consolidating their refining foot print to the more complex and versatile refineries.

Norco has a tremendous history, rich with dedication and perseverance. I expect that at some point in the near future an announcement will come stating that Norco is on the sale block. For the folks at Norco this will not be the end, I have been through this before and can tell you that it is what you make of it. Most generally you will not suffer on the benefit front much if any at all. God knows that any new company has to have marginally better leadership then we have all seen out of the stooges Purves and company appear to be. My advise is simple, continue with all the great improvement you as a facility have achieved in reliability, and safety, and the rest will work itself out as it generally does.

Best wishes in these trying times,
Jo Blow