February 24, 2012 12:01 PM
ROXANA – Shell Oil Co. says it plans to close its oil blending and packaging plant, resulting in loss of 83 local jobs and bringing to an end the company’s direct presence in the area, which dates back almost a century.
A Houston-based Shell spokeswoman said the Wood River Blending Plant just off Illinois Route 111 is closing because it requires updates and because it is on property that Shell does not own.
Shell leases the plant from Conoco-Phillips, the latest in a long line of various owners of the property. A ConocoPhillips spokeswoman said she has no information available on her firm’s plans for the property.
At the Shell site, various components of motor oil are blended and packaged. They are put in individual cans for retail use and in bulk containers for use in oil change operations.
The closing of the Wood River plant will also result of closing of a distribution plant in O’Fallon, Mo., where 17 people are working.
The distribution plant will close at the end of this year. The Wood River Blending Plant will close at the end of 2013.
A spokeswoman said many of the employees in Roxana are close to retirement. Those who wish may apply for jobs at other Shell locations.
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