Corps Security wins contract to safeguard ExxonMobil’s Fawley refinery

First opened in 1951, the location is the largest oil refinery in the UK and one of the most complex refineries in Europe. With a capacity to refine and produce 270,000 barrels of oil per day, Fawley provides 20% of the nation’s overall refinery capacity. The ExxonMobil chemical plant produces circa 650,000 tonnes of petrochemical products each year.

More than 2,500 staff – among them 175 qualified chemical engineers – and contractors work at the Fawley facility, which operates a 700 km fuel distribution pipeline. Indeed, a dedicated jet fuel pipeline runs directly from the Fawley facility to Heathrow Airport.

The Fawley site is regulated under the Control of Major Accident Hazards Regulations 2015 and, at all times, the management team works closely with representatives from the Environment Agency and the Health and Safety Executive to maintain safety at the premises.

Competitive bid

Corps Security was successful in the competitive bidding process for the contract, which was based on the stringent ExxonMobil procurement rules. Corps Security representatives visited the Fawley site to understand the complex nature of the security provisions.

Security is necessarily a key priority. There are physical security measures on site, among them an electrified perimeter fence standing 3 metres tall and linked to an intruder alarm system. Vehicle barriers are supported by fully staffed gatehouses. The entire complex is monitored by a series of CCTV cameras. Patrols of the entire perimeter zone are conducted on a regular basis, while all vehicles entering the complex are subject to search procedures.

Procedures are regularly tested on site and there is continual contact with the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary.

Critical National Infrastructure

The Fawley site is designated part of the nation’s Critical National Infrastructure, so it was essential for the appointed security solutions provider to understand the complexities and operational needs of the contract.

In practice, the five-year contract will see 46 colleagues transfer to the Corps Security team with immediate effect.

Commenting on the award of the contract, Andy Topp (sales and marketing director at Corps Security) stated: “ExxonMobil has a critical role to play in the national infrastructure of the country. We are pleased that the customer noticed the efforts of our team to understand the needs of the site. We’re delighted to be working with the company and welcome our new colleagues to the team.”

A spokesperson from ExxonMobil added: “Corps Security was the successful bidder out of the eight security companies invited to tender. We look forward to working with Corps Security on ensuring that our site security team colleagues remain motivated and have the best possible opportunities to progress in their careers.”