IT OCCUPIES a huge site on the banks of Southampton Water and is the largest petrochemical complex in the UK.

The internationally-renowned ExxonMobil Fawley manufactures a wide range of everyday products, using processes that provide employment for more than 2,500 staff and contractors.

Now chemical engineer Nick Bone has landed a senior role at the 3,250-acre facility after spending most of his career there.

Daily Echo: ExxonMobil Fawley occupies a 3,250-acre site overlooking Southampton Water and employs 2,500 peopleExxonMobil Fawley occupies a 3,250-acre site overlooking Southampton Water and employs 2,500 people (Image: ExxonMobil Fawley)

Having previously served in Saudi Arabia, Nick has been appointed plant manager for both the chemicals and refining operations.

It comes amid new warnings about climate change and its ability to wreak havoc across the globe.

Last week the UN secretary general, Antonio Guterres, spoke out after scientists confirmed that July is on track to be the world's hottest month on record.

He said: "The era of global warming has ended - the era of global boiling has arrived."

Daily Echo: ExxonMobil Fawley has been an integral part of the community since 1951, when it was opened by the then prime minister, Clement AttleeExxonMobil Fawley has been an integral part of the community since 1951, when it was opened by the then prime minister, Clement Attlee (Image: Stephen Bath)

As a key member of The Solent Cluster decarbonisation initiative, ExxonMobil Fawley looks set to play a crucial role in attempts to cut carbon emissions across the economic powerhouse of the south.

Nick said he was looking forward to leading his team into what he described as a new and innovative era.

"The future has the potential to be really exciting for us and all our partners in The Solent Cluster, and it's a great time to be involved in our industry as it creates the solutions for net zero.

"Fawley has been supporting local and national economies for more than 70 years.

Daily Echo: ExxonMobil Fawley manufactures a wide range of vital everyday productsExxonMobil Fawley manufactures a wide range of vital everyday products (Image: Stephen Bath)

"I am very proud to have inherited a brilliant team of over 2,500 very talented people who will strive to ensure it continues to do so through the exciting and challenging years ahead."

"As the largest petrochemical complex in the UK, we have the infrastructure, skills and knowledge needed to deliver change.

"From introducing lead-free petrol in the 1980s to the potential of clean hydrogen production in the 2030s, we have constantly evolved to ensure Fawley continues to provide the vital energy and chemical products that society needs."

Fawley has endured a difficult few months, with several incidents keeping it in the headlines for all the wrong reasons.

Nick said: "A site of this size operating around the clock is an interesting challenge in itself and we are not infallible, but safe and reliable operations come above everything else and this is something we all work hard to deliver every day."