After five months of uncertainty, DS Smith has confirmed it will close its Launceston site, with the loss of 165 jobs. The packaging and paper company first warned in April that the site could close. The plant processes 28,000 tonnes of paper a year and has been a major local employer for decades. In 2019, the company celebrated 50 years of production in the town, but the closure is part of efforts to improve efficiencies.
Hayley Sanders, whose partner works at the site, said: “DS Smith have been running within Launceston for almost 60 years, they provide over 160 jobs within the local community, they also use other local businesses within Launceston that the closure could also impact. Behind every job is a family that the workers are trying hard to support, especially in the current climate we are in. This could cause devastating impacts on families within our community.”
Despite local protests, the company has gone ahead with the plan. Production will end in November 2026. A spokesperson said: “We can confirm that the consultation with employees and employee representatives at Launceston has concluded and, after careful consideration of counter proposals raised, the business has made the difficult decision to confirm the proposed closure of the site with the loss of 165 jobs. Production at the site will finish in November 2026.”
The company said it is committed to supporting employees during the transition. The spokesperson added: “We recognise that this decision is disappointing for those impacted. We are fully committed to supporting all our employees throughout this period, recognising the impact the change will have on them, their families, and the wider community.”
DS Smith Confirms Launceston Closure, 165 Jobs Lost