INTERNATIONAL giant Kimberly-Clark has announced the proposed closure of its Barton manufacturing plant.
The Grimsby Telegraph understands the facility's staff were briefed this morning. The plans threaten 378 jobs at the Barton site.
The South Humber bank plant, opened 20 years ago, is a major driver of the economy in Barton and surrounding area, pulling staff from across northern Lincolnshire and the north bank of the Humber.
Kimberly-Clark said it was making strategic changes in Europe to focus its resources and investments on the company's strongest products and markets, in order to deliver better returns in the future.
The company has therefore announced plans to stop manufacturing and selling nappies in Europe, with the exception of Italy.
The proposed closure of the Kimberly-Clark plant shocked people in the town today.
Barton Town Mayor Councillor Paul Vickers said: "It is devastating news. Our thoughts are with the workers. We have to do all we can to make sure the workforce can find other employment.
VIDEO: Dave Faddis, vice-president for supply chain Kimberly-Clark Consumer Europe, talks to the press on the proposed closure of the firm's plant in Barton-Upon-Humber
"We want to keep them working in local areas; it is important to have a skilled workforce. With the Humber Bridge tolls coming down we hope we can continue to encourage businesses into the area.
"This does not just affect Barton but the wider Humber area, too.
"Workers come from Scunthorpe, Grimsby, as well as locally."
Vicky Vickers, from Barton Chamber of Trade and Industry, said: "It is a very sad day for everyone. Kimberly-Clark have always been big supporters of the Barton Chamber of Trade. It is a body blow to Barton and the area.
"They are superb premises so hopefully someone will take them over. You just have to feel sorry for those staff."
Read Kimberly-Clark's direct statement on the closure of Huggies nappy plant in Barton
