The historic box company DS Smith has confirmed that all 165 staff at its Launceston plant will lose their jobs. The international paper and packaging firm has been a major employer in the North Cornwall town for almost 60 years. In 2019 it celebrated 50 years of production in Launceston. The company announced its decision to close its Link Road site in April this year, following a "review of its UK packaging operations" amid "tough trading conditions".
Protests were held outside the plant in June in a bid to pressure DS Smith into reconsidering its decision. Now the firm, which processes 28,000 tonnes of paper a year, has confirmed that following the consultation process, the site will close for good and all jobs will be lost by November when production ceases.
A spokesman for DS Smith 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. 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."
Asked about future plans for the large site, the spokesperson added: "Discussions are still ongoing, but we can't confirm anything yet."
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Launceston Box Plant Closure Confirmed, 165 Jobs Lost