Planned closure of Kimberly-Clark 'still sinking in' says Barton Town Mayor

News of the proposed closure of the Kimberly-Clark plant in Barton was today (Friday) continuing to sink in around the town.

The nappy-making factory, on Falkland Way, employs about 480 people.

The firm announced on Wednesday that it is proposing to close the site next year.

Paul Vickers, Barton’s Town Mayor, said: “It is still sinking in and I think that is the same for the town in general.

Business Cards From Only £10.95 Delivered www.myprint-247.co.uk

myprint-247

View details

Print voucher

Our heavyweight cards have FREE UV silk coating, FREE next day delivery & VAT included. Choose from 1000's of pre-designed templates or upload your own artwork. Orders dispatched within 24hrs.

Terms: Visit our site for more products: Business Cards, Compliment Slips, Letterheads, Leaflets, Postcards, Posters & much more. All items are free next day delivery. www.myprint-247.co.uk

Contact: 01858 468192

Valid until: Sunday, May 26 2013

“It has been part of Barton life for 20 years and it is going to be a big loss.

“We need to work with the company to get the best protection for the staff.

“Let’s hope Kimberly-Clark can find another global company or big manufacturing base that would be interested in coming into the town.

“It is a state-of-the-art facility and the workforce is world class.

“It was a global decision by Kimberly-Clark, which wasn’t a slight on Barton or the workforce in any way.

“We are still really, really upset and disappointed.”

John Oxley, a member of Barton Town Council, said: “It is a disaster but it is typical of what is happening across the country at the moment.

“Nationally, it looks as though things are starting to pick up but I think there is a lot more anguish to come before we get out of this mess.”

Although many workers at the plant do not live in the Barton area, Mr Oxley said he still felt its closure would have an impact on the town.

He said: “Obviously, they spend a fair amount of money in the local shops, whether it is getting lunch or getting something on the way home.

“It remains to be seen what that proportion of money is.”

The video exchanges feature Martin Vickers MP and Grimsby Telegraph editor Michelle Lalor.