DS Smith packaging plant set to close with loss of 167 jobs due to 'tough trading conditions'

From news reports


DS Smith packaging plant set to close with loss of 167 jobs due to 'tough trading conditions' | DS Smith, International Paper, closure,

DS Smith looks set to close one of its South West sites with the loss of all 167 jobs.

The firm said a proposal had been made to shut the packaging plant in Launceston, Cornwall, and it was now entering consultation with the workforce.

DS Smith, which also has a sister plant in Devizes, Wiltshire, along with operations in Bristol, said the move was the result of a review of its UK packaging operations due to "tough trading conditions".

The group closed a plant in Plympton, Plymouth, last year.

The Launceston site first opened in 1968 under the Tillotson's name. It has since been the subject of a number of takeovers, including in January last year when it became part of a new business formed through the merger of International Paper and DS Smith, two of the world's leading producers of sustainable packaging and other products.

DS Smith said: "To improve efficiencies across our business and to ensure we respond to the evolving needs of our customers in what are tough trading conditions for the industry, we have undertaken a review of our UK packaging operations.

"As a result of this review, we can confirm a proposal has been made to close a site within our network. A consultation process with employees is ongoing, during which DS Smith (and International Paper) will not comment further."

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