Union left ‘bitterly disappointed’ as proposals to save Gwynedd tissue paper plant are rejected

A union has expressed its “bitter disappointment” after proposals to save a Gwynedd tissue paper plant from closure were rejected.

Unite representatives had been hoping to protect 94 jobs at the Northwood Hygiene Products in Penygroes.

The union said it had supported staff throughout a recently held consultation with the Welsh Government also offering financial assistance to the company.

However, their efforts have reportedly proved in vain as directors are said to have confirmed their decision to close the site by October this year.

Daryl Williams, Unite Regional Officer, said: “The decision from the company today will come as a bitter blow to the workers and the loss of these jobs will also be crippling to the local economy of Nantlle Valley and the surrounding area.

“Unite Reps pulled out all the stops to save the site with counter proposals that had potential financial support from Welsh Government but ultimately it wasn’t enough to persuade the company to maintain production at the site.

“Unite will now focus on supporting our members at this difficult time. We will be seeking the best possible redundancy packages and maximum help with finding new employment.”

The company previously blamed the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic for the decision.

When the proposals were first announced in May, Northwood said: “As part of a strategic review of business operations, given the rapidly changing landscape and market conditions, the directors of Northwood Hygiene Products Ltd regret to announce the proposed closure of the Penygroes manufacturing facility, located in North Wales. This proposal affects 94 employees.

“As part of the review, various alternative options were considered, but the contraction in market demand as a consequence of Covid-19, and the subsequent significant fall in current and forecasted sales volumes has led to this very difficult decision being made.

“The company is fully committed to following a consultation process with all employees and trade union representatives and will commence a collective consultation process which will last for a minimum of 30 days.

“The proposed closure will not have a negative impact on the service we provide to our customer base.

“Production will be absorbed, and customers will be serviced from other Northwood sites in Telford, Oldham, Birmingham, Lancaster and Bromsgrove.”