PrintWeek reported yesterday (6 August) that the plastic and fibre products supplier’s Hull site, which the group acquired in January, would close before Christmas, putting up to 60 jobs at risk.
Local newspaper The Hunts Post has separately reported that another print site the group acquired from Clondalkin Group in January, located in Kimbolton, Cambridgeshire, is also facing closure and the loss of 55 jobs.
A 30-day consultation is currently taking place at both the Hull and Kimbolton sites.
A spokeswoman for Essentra told PrintWeek both site closures are not yet a "done deal" but confirmed that, should the proposal be confirmed, employees at the sites will be able to choose to transfer to Newport.
Essentra is seeking to turn its Newport facility into a "centre of excellence" and said having fewer, larger sites will offer a competitive advantage. It is currently recruiting for a range of print production roles at the Newport site.
Essentra Europe managing director Hugh Ross said: “The proposal follows a comprehensive strategic review of our footprint in the UK, and entails substantial further investment at Newport.
“This will further extend the capability and capacity of the existing site, as a centre of excellence for the manufacture and future development of our extensive range of innovative packaging, and will ensure that we are optimally positioned to continue to meet the exacting requirements of our customers.
“Indeed, consistent with its Drive for 2020 strategy, Essentra is committed to delivering a market-leading range of solutions and service and, as such, the substantial additional investment entailed with the proposed transfer of activities to Newport further reinforces this objective.
“It is therefore with regret that we are entering a consultation regarding the possible closure of the Hull site, which is in no way a reflection on the quality or commitment of our employees.”
The Essentra Group employs around 9,000 staff globally. The business published its results for the first half of 2015 last week. It made an £82m operating profit in the period, while its turnover rose by 28% to £550m.
