Gwynedd Council pledges to support 94 workers set to lose jobs due to closure of tissue paper plant

Gwynedd Council has pledged to support 94 workers who are set to lose their jobs as a result of the closure of a tissue paper plant.

The owners of Northwood Hygiene Products in Penygroes announced yesterday that it would be shutting for the final time in October.

The move comes despite union representatives putting forward proposals to try and save the factory.

The council said it was also “bitterly disappointed” at the announcement.

Cabinet Member for Economy, Councillor Gareth Thomas, said: “This is sad news and a real blow to the area. We will now focus our efforts on working with the Welsh Government and the DWP to secure support for the staff.

“As a council, we have had regular discussions with the company over the last few weeks to try and encourage continued production at Penygroes.

“But it is clear that the coronavirus pandemic has had a significant impact on Northwood’s markets in the leisure and retail sector.

“Although it is a challenging time, we will do all we can to facilitate any possibility of identifying a new owner for the site that could attract jobs in the future.”

Councillor Judith Humphreys, who represents Penygroes on Gwynedd Council, said: “The Northwood announcement is very sad news for Penygroes and the wider Dyffryn Nantlle area.

“I will be focusing my immediate efforts on ensuring that the 94 staff members receive the support they need from the relevant authorities during this challenging time, and continuing to explore possible alternative models or options for the site for the future.”