Kimberly-Clark has closed its doors for the final time.
The nappy-making plant, on Falkland Way in Barton, employed more than 550 people. Reporter SIMON LEONARD reports on the future of the factory site
IT IS five months since Kimberly-Clark announced it would be closing the Barton site.
The South Humber bank plant, which opened 20 years ago, was a major driver of the economy in Barton and surrounding area, pulling staff from across northern Lincolnshire and the north bank.
The firm announced plans to stop manufacturing and selling nappies in Europe, with the exception of Italy, to focus on its strongest products.
The future of the site still remains uncertain – although the plant is now being fully marketed.
Graham Tongue, mill manager for Kimberly-Clark, said the plant had been supporting employees since the announcement.
He said: "We ceased production on March 18. Most of the employees had left by March 15. The site is no longer operational.
"Our intention is to sell the site on to a future employer."
Mr Tongue said there was a full "out-placement" support to help individuals.
"Of the workforce, approximately 50 per cent are in new employment, have taken early retirement or have been redeployed," he said.
"That is a tremendous amount.
"The 50 per cent of employees still looking for employment continue to get out-placement support."
If the 20-year-old facility is not sold, it will be demolished and the site returned to its previous greenfield use.
Rumours that global internet-giant Amazon had shown interest in the site could not be confirmed.
A spokesman for Amazon said: "We wouldn't wish to comment on rumour or speculation."
Any firm that moves into the factory site, could offer some relief to the Kimberly-Clark employees still looking for work.
Trish Todd worked at the plant for 20 years and said it was difficult finding another job.
The 52-year-old, of Barton, who started as a machine operator before going on to work in the warehouse, said: "I haven't got a job. I haven't really been looking because everybody is after the same type of job.
"I have never been out of work and I thought I would be there until retirement. It was a good experience as I have done a lot there that I would never have done."
Mrs Todd said this redundancy was going to enable her to pursue other things.
And she said she would like to see the site taken over in the future.
She said: "It could be big enough for a shopping centre or even a distribution centre or a support centre. You could get about eight or nine different companies in there.
"It would be a shame if it has to go back to a green site."
Kimberly-Clark has permanently gifted two plots of land from its mill site to Barton School, which backs on to the plant.
The school, in Barrow Road, has been providing a comprehensive service for children with autistic spectrum conditions for nearly seven years.
A supporter of the school from the start, Kimberly-Clark already had a long-standing lease agreement in place for two plots of land, used as a car park and play area for the children and young people.
They are to be developed to provide more opportunities for physical and educational activities, essential to the growth and development of the school's students.
Graham Baker, chief executive officer of Options Group, which runs the school, said: "The land we have been leasing from Kimberly-Clark over the past six years is crucial to the success of the service provided to vulnerable children at Barton School.
"I am extremely grateful to Kimberly-Clark for the gift of this land, which in no small way helps to ensure the students at Barton School can continue to thrive.
Mr Tongue said: "Kimberly-Clark is committed to supporting the well-being and development of the communities in which we operate and live. We greatly appreciate the work that the school does in supporting children with disabilities and are delighted to be able to leave a legacy in Barton to ensure that the school's vital work can continue."
Of the factory's closure, Barton town mayor Paul Vickers said he hoped someone would take over the site.
He said: "With regard to people that have not found a job, my preference is hopefully there is a big employer out there which can step into Kimberly-Clark's shoes and give local people a chance to work locally.
"There is a lot of work being done behind the scenes by Kimberly-Clark and North Lincolnshire Council. It is being heavily marketed.
"I would like to see the site carry on in some guise and I would hate to see it returned to green field.
"It would be a sad day if it was knocked down.
"Hopefully, there is someone out there that can keep the site going."
And Barton MP Martin Vickers said he too hoped to see the site taken over.
He said: "The ideal would be to have a major employer there, preferably a large employer or the existing premises divided into a number of significant employers.
"I know that North Lincolnshire Council is working with Kimberly-Clark and with the Government to market it and my understanding is there have been a number of serious enquiries about the site."
A North Lincolnshire Council spokeswoman said: "The Taskforce partners continue to support people looking for employment through the Information, Advice and Guidance Service, Job Centre Plus and other training providers.
"Following the successful jobs and careers event that was held last year, we will be holding another later on in the year.
"This event allows people to discover their ideal career path and discuss job prospects with a range of businesses.
"It's essential we support jobseekers in North Lincolnshire, providing them with advice and guidance, and as many opportunities as possible."
