MP Devastated at Confirmed Closure of Site Employing Hundreds

Alyn and Deeside’s Member of Parliament is devastated at the confirmed closure of a local wet wipe manufacturer employing more than 300 local people.

Kimberly-Clark has finished its consultation into closing two mills at Flint, citing incoming UK Government regulations banning plastics in wet wipes as the reason for the decision.

Mark Tami MP has been speaking with affected employees, unions, Kimberly-Clark, the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Steve Reed, and the Cabinet Secretary for the Economy, Ken Skates, for some time.

He said:

“Unite have confirmed today that Kimberly-Clark has closed its consultation and is set to close the plant later this year.

“I’m devastated for the 200-plus workers and their families. There is also a knock-on effect on a hundred or so workers at other companies in the supply chain who service Kimberly-Clark, including GXO, Deeside.

“I’m continuing to work with Unite and Welsh Government to support those who are losing their jobs as much as possible. I know that the Cabinet Secretary Ken Skates’ officials have been in discussions with Kimberly-Clark and three companies who have expressed strong interest in taking over the site.

“As well as this, I know of two local firms in similar fields who are expanding their operations later this year. Officials at Unite and Welsh Government have been in talks with them and there is strong interest in taking on many of Kimberly-Clark’s highly skilled workers.

“The Welsh Government is ensuring that employees can access all relevant avenues of support available and are supported into re-employment. Any constituents affected who feel that I can help them should not hesitate to contact my office.”

Pictured - Mark Tami MP.