DS Smith, an international packaging company, has confirmed it will close its box plant in Launceston, Cornwall, leading to 165 job losses. The firm began consulting employees earlier this year at the site, which has been a significant local employer for nearly 60 years.
It said the "difficult decision" to shut was made "after careful consideration of counter proposals raised," and production will finish in November. The company acknowledged the decision was "disappointing for those impacted" and said it would support employees "through this period".
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The closure follows protests in June by workers and their families, who warned it would be a "huge loss" for the area. Hayley Sanders, whose relatives work at the factory, said at the time the aim was "to raise awareness of how important the site is to the town
DS Smith Confirms Launceston Plant Closure, 165 Jobs Lost