In a statement released today (23 May), the US company said the move was “to improve efficiencies and to respond to the evolving needs of our customers in what are tough trading conditions for the industry”.
Additional proposals also include the relocation of one site, the move from 24-7 to 24-5 operations at one site, and a small headcount reduction at two further Packaging sites in the UK.
International Paper said it expected the proposals would be implemented by the end of this calendar year and that approximately 300 roles may be affected.
“Although the proposals result from a strategic review by the UK business, as part of International Paper’s transformational journey to become a stronger sustainable packaging solutions company, they constitute an update to the intentions with respect to DS Smith set out in the Offer Documentation,” the company stated.
“A consultation process with employees and unions is ongoing and until such time as it has progressed we cannot comment further on its scope or the potential impact on employees.”
The UK sites affected have not yet been disclosed.
Paul Clarke, managing director for UK and Ireland Packaging Division at DS Smith, commented: “In what are tough trading conditions for the industry, our goal is to optimise the resources we have, so we can serve our customers even better and ultimately grow our business.
“This will ensure we respond to the evolving needs of customers to deliver sustainable packaging solutions, and create more value for our people, our customers, and shareholders.”
International Paper employs more than 65,000 staff and has operations in over 30 countries. Its net sales for 2024 were $18.6bn (£13.8m).
