Proposed closure of Kimberly-Clark plant in Barton-Upon-Humber (update)
INTERNATIONAL giant Kimberly-Clark has announced the proposed closure of its Barton manufacturing plant.
The Grimsby Telegraph understands the facility's staff were briefed this morning. The plans threaten 378 jobs at the Barton site.
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The Kimberly-Clark plant in Barton-Upon-Humber
The South Humber bank plant, opened 20 years ago, is a major driver of the economy in Barton and surrounding area, pulling staff from across northern Lincolnshire and the north bank of the Humber.
Kimberly-Clark said it was making strategic changes in Europe to focus its resources and investments on the company’s strongest products and markets, in order to deliver better returns in the future.
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The company has therefore announced plans to stop manufacturing and selling nappies in Europe, with the exception of Italy.
The proposed closure of the Kimberly-Clark plant shocked people in the town today.
Barton Town Mayor Councillor Paul Vickers said: "It is devastating news. Our thoughts are with the workers. We have to do all we can to make sure the workforce can find other employment.
VIDEO: Dave Faddis, vice-president for supply chain Kimberly-Clark Consumer Europe, talks to the press on the proposed closure of the firm's plant in Barton-Upon-Humber
"We want to keep them working in local areas; it is important to have a skilled workforce. With the Humber Bridge tolls coming down we hope we can continue to encourage businesses into the area.
"This does not just affect Barton but the wider Humber area, too.
"Workers come from Scunthorpe, Grimsby, as well as locally."
Vicky Vickers, from Barton Chamber of Trade and Industry, said: "It is a very sad day for everyone. Kimberly-Clark have always been big supporters of the Barton Chamber of Trade. It is a body blow to Barton and the area.
"They are superb premises so hopefully someone will take them over. You just have to feel sorry for those staff."
Read Kimberly-Clark's direct statement on the closure of Huggies nappy plant in Barton
Comments
by Beagleyes
Wednesday, October 24 2012, 9:39PM
“What isn't clear is why Italy seems now to become the main European hub for Kimberly Clark ?
It makes you wonder what the Italians are offering that can't be offered elsewhere in Europe ( and indeed the uk)
A very bad day for all employees at Barton”
by grimoldie
Wednesday, October 24 2012, 8:24PM
“Never a good time but the run up to Christmas will be a worrying time once again.”
by djh-grimsby
Wednesday, October 24 2012, 7:30PM
“It is very sad that the Kimberly Clark manufacturing plant will close with the loss of hundreds of jobs and millions of pounds disappearing from the local economy. I am sure there are lots of complex reasons why the plant became unviable. In todays fragile economy all efforts must be made to protect jobs. I was staggered a few months ago that NELC gave financial support to scheme to encourage mothers not to buy buy products produced at the local KC. I am not sure whether the scheme was funded from ratepayers money or from competing cotton producers.”
by FlipFlop
Wednesday, October 24 2012, 6:11PM
“It's not about nappies not selling, it's about the cost of raw materials - oil, wood pulp etc that goes into their products. Unfortuneately we don't have the protection for our workers like the Europeans do so if there's a factory to close its going to be UK ones all the time. Plus I think UK law will also allow them to walk away from the site without environmental responsibilities. If you close a factory in Germany for instance it will cost you a fortune to return it to a green field site.”
by smokebelch
Wednesday, October 24 2012, 5:17PM
“@rickygt
the reason is simple: when did you last see an advert for huggies on TV?
I'm no businessman, but even I know you cant expect people to buy your product if its not advertised
mismanagement of the highest order
@malcolm
thank you for your thoughts.
Yes they are pulling out of both product and sales of nappies in europe”
by gy82a
Wednesday, October 24 2012, 3:32PM
“another blow to the local economy and still we have small minded selfish fools compileing pertitions against progress in the area why dont they move away and let us progress ....”
by Malcolm_Ex
Wednesday, October 24 2012, 2:11PM
“Apparantly they are pulling out of the nappies business in Western Europe (apart from Italy) completely. Now does that mean they are stopping manufacturing in Europe or does it mean stopping selling as well?”
by Rickygt
Wednesday, October 24 2012, 1:54PM
“Well there hasn't been a sudden drop in babies that's for sure. So what brought this on? Is it they can make them cheaper in the Far East? Along with pampers they probably sell the majority of the worlds nappies. Isn't it a shame that they can't support the people that support them! All so their share holders can expect a bigger dividend during a recession”
by Malcolm_Ex
Wednesday, October 24 2012, 12:44PM
“This is a massive loss. My sympathies to your wife, Smokebelch, and anybody else affected by this drastic closure. The knock on effects to the local economy will be deeply felt.”
by smokebelch
Wednesday, October 24 2012, 12:10PM
“100% closing
My wife has just been sent home along with the rest of the staff after being informed the plant is closing in March next yr.
No plans to sell the plant to anyone else.....480 chucked on the scrapheap
Closing ALL nappy production in europe”