Wednesday, 24 October 2012

Kimberly Clark pull out of diapers in most of Europe. Humberside plant to close.

KIMBERLY-CLARK has issued the following statement regarding the proposed closure of the firm's Barton-Upon-Humber plant.

The firm announced earlier today (Wednesday) it plans to stop manufacturing and selling nappies in Europe, with the exception of Italy, as part of changes to its business.




Kimberly-Clark has proposed the closure of its Barton-Upon-Humber plant.

Kimberly-Clark is 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.

Despite considerable efforts, time and investment, Kimberly-Clark has not been able to build a sustainable, profitable nappies business in Europe. Therefore the company plans to stop manufacturing and selling nappies in Europe, with the exception of Italy.

As a result, the company has taken the difficult decision to propose the closure of the Barton mill, which manufactures nappies for the UK market. The company will work proactively with employees and local employee representatives during this difficult time and ensure the appropriate consultation processes are followed. It is expected that the majority of actions associated with this proposal will be completed by the end of 2013.

Dave Faddis, Vice President of Supply Chain, Kimberly-Clark Consumer Europe, commented: “No decision such as this is ever taken lightly and it is with regret that we have to propose the closure of Barton as part of changes to our European business. My priority is to ensure that employees are treated respectfully and fairly during this stressful time. These are tough choices, but they are necessary to improve our competitive position and make Kimberly-Clark’s consumer business stronger in Europe.”

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