It was exactly one year ago today. And almost at exactly this time, early morning the day after Labor Day.
That’s when Sunoco announced its intention to get out of the refining business. It was a punch in the gut to the region’s economic recovery. And it would get a lot worse two weeks later when Conoco-Phillips decided to do the same with their refinery in Trainer.
A year later, things look a little different.
The idled Conoco refinery is now being operated by Monroe Energy after it was bought by Delta Air Lines. In South Philly, the sprawling Sunoco refinery is still operating, saved by a joint operating agreement between the company and the Carlyle Group.
Only Marcus Hook remains idled. And there is hope for new uses for that facility as well.
To commemorate what has been a most tumultuous year for the region’s refinery business, we decided to do a three-day series tied to Labor Day weekend.
It is not by accident. It’s in part because of Labor Day. And in part because it is the one-year anniversary of Sunoco’s momentous announcement.
In today’s final installment of the series, we chronicle the year of the Dauber family. Jonas Dauber was one of the victims when Conoco closed the doors in Trainer. But he’s found a new life with Monroe Energy. You can read their story here.
Not so lucky is Frank Cianglione, of Boothwyn. He worked at the Sunoco refinery in Marcus Hook. He’s still looking for work. Read his story here.
It's easy to forget that behind all these numbers detailing the refinery business, there are real people and real pain and real worries. We haven't forgotten those stories.
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