Warrington factory closure puts 123 jobs in jeopardy

Anglo-Dutch conglomerate Unilever has confirmed that it will shut its Warrington washing powder factory, which employs 123 staff.

The firm, which also has operations in Port Sunlight, Wirral, announced in January that it was undertaking a review of the Crosfields plant, which opened more than 130 years ago and makes Persil and Surf washing powders.

It said: “Over recent years, there has been a sustained and irreversible decline in demand for washing powder, as consumers increasingly switch to other types of laundry product, particularly liquids and laundry capsules.”

And today the group announced that the operation will close, although no firm date has been set.

Unilever said it will “do everything it can to support the 123 employees at the site in the coming weeks and months”.

Jon Strachan, vice president of supply chain for Unilever in the UK and Ireland, said: “Following the review we have, unfortunately, been unable to identify any commercially sustainable solutions for the site.

“Therefore, with regret, we are now proposing to close the factory – we know that this news will be difficult for our employees and the broader community, and we are firmly committed to supporting them in every way that we can, should the proposals go ahead.

“Unilever has a number of factories in the UK and here in the North West, so we will discuss any redeployment and reskilling opportunities for our affected employees as part of consultation.

“We would like to take the opportunity to thank all of those who were involved for their passion and their commitment to the review.”

The GMB union has described the closure of Warrington’s historic Unilever factory as a “hammer blow” for the town.

It said it will now be demanding proper compensation and support for the 123 people working at Unilever Warrington

Emaon O’Hearn, GMB national officer, said: “The closure of Unilever Warrington is hammer blow for the town – for the people who work there, their families and the whole community.

“First it was the loss of Colman’s and now the first Unilever site, which has been an iconic part of the UK’s manufacturing history for 136 years, and to see it tossed aside by the company is heart-breaking.

“Unilever happily exploits its historical legacy but for its UK manufacturing workforce that is increasingly ringing hollow.”

He added: “GMB will now demand proper compensation and support for the 123 people who have lost their livelihoods.”