Dozens of new jobs are being created in the North East ahead of the restart of a major industrial plant.
Tioxide is recruiting additional staff as part of the phased restart of its Greatham titanium dioxide (TiO₂) pigment facility in Hartlepool.
The site, formerly operated by Venator Materials UK Limited, was idled in 2025 after the firm went into administration amid financial difficulties, resulting in the loss of hundreds of jobs.
In October 2025, LB Group, the world’s largest supplier of TiO₂ pigments, agreed to acquire Venator’s TiO₂ business at Greatham through its subsidiary Billions Europe Ltd.
The deal was cleared by the UK Competition and Markets Authority in April 2026, and LB Group finalised the acquisition on April 27, creating a new subsidiary, Tioxide, to operate the plant and associated assets.
Since then, Tioxide has already hired more than 60 staff in 12 weeks, filling most of the 70 roles announced when LB Group took over the site.
The Northern Echo understands that Venator's former site at Birtley, which was recently sold, was purchased by a separate company.
Karen Askwith, managing director at Tioxide, said: "The response to our recruitment campaign has been extremely encouraging and reflects the confidence people have in the long-term future of Tioxide."
The relaunch of the Greatham site has also resulted in former Venator employees finding new work with Tioxide.
Ms Askwith added: "We have been particularly pleased to see experienced people, who previously worked at our locations, choosing to join us, bringing invaluable operational knowledge and expertise.
Karen Askwith, Managing Director (Image: Tioxide)
"Alongside these individuals, we are attracting other talented new recruits whose skills, energy and fresh perspectives will play an important role in shaping the next chapter of our business."
The company’s workforce now numbers more than 200, with roles spanning production, engineering, and technical specialisms.
Tioxide has also increased staffing at its Wynyard research and development centre and its Stockton head office.
The company has now launched the second phase of its recruitment drive, creating around 60 additional roles as it prepares to bring a second production line into operation.
This will bring the total number of jobs announced since April to 130.
Ms Askwith said: "Restarting a manufacturing operation of this scale is a major undertaking, and we are continuing to make excellent progress.
"As we move through the commissioning phase, our focus remains on achieving a safe and successful restart."
"Bringing TiO₂ pigment manufacturing back to Teesside is incredibly important for our business and for the region.
"We are proud to be creating high-quality jobs and supporting the local economy and are looking forward to supplying premium products to customers around the world."
Tioxide expects to resume single-stream production later this month, subject to successful commissioning.
