Jobs threatened at Kimberly-Clark factory in Flint

The company said there had been 'difficult decisions to take'

Sixty jobs are under threat at a factory at Flint which makes disposable wet hand towels.

Talks are starting on the potential closure of Kimberly-Clark's Delyn Mill plant, but workers at the firm's other Flint factory, the Coleshill Mill, are unaffected.

The company said it was making changes to focus its resources and investments on its strongest products and markets.

If the plant closes, it would happen by late next year.

It comes as Kimberly-Clark announced it is to stop making and selling Huggies nappies in Europe, except for Italy.

The company has decided to concentrate on non-fastening nappies such as pull-ups and will continue to make Huggies-branded wipes and Little Swimmers.

As a result, it will be closing a number of plants, putting 1,300-1,500 jobs at risk across Europe.

In the UK, it will also close its nappy mill in Barton near Hull.

The company said it will work with employees and local employee representatives in Flint and ensure the appropriate consultation processes are followed.

Euan Anderson, of Kimberly-Clark Professional, said the consultation process on the future of Delyn Mill was being started with "great regret".

"No decision such as this is taken lightly," he said.

"All employees will be treated respectfully and fairly during this stressful time.

"These are difficult decisions to take, but they are necessary to improve our competitive position and make Kimberly-Clark Professional's European business stronger."

The company added that its Coleshill Mill site was a "key operation" in the supply of branded toilet roll, facial tissue and wipers.

According to the company's latest quarterly results, out on Wednesday, European sales at Kimberly-Clark Professional fell 17%.

The American-owned company has 57,000 workers worldwide across its businesses, with brands including Kleenex and Kleenguard.

Community impact

Delyn MP David Hanson, whose constituency includes Flint, said he was extremely disappointed at the potential loss of a key operation.

"I've spoken to the company today and I will be asking for a meeting to discuss the closure proposal," he said.

"I also want to hear from local employees and trade unions who are affected."

Delyn AM Sandy Mewies added that the job losses would be an "enormous blow to the workforce which will impact throughout the local and wider community".

"I have already notified the business minister of the company's proposals and asked for a meeting as soon as possible to discuss what help can be given," he sid.

"I appreciate the company's offer to answer questions which I may have about the potential closure of the Delyn Mill and I will be following up that offer with them."