The multinational plastic packaging specialist is proposing to shut the site, which produces injection-moulded and thermoformed plastic packaging for yellowfats, salads, snackfoods, dairy products and wholesale applications, in the first quarter of 2008. Should the closure proceed the work of the plant, on Hereford’s Rotherwas Industrial Esate, will be transferred to other RPC factories.
RPC general manager, UK injection moulding Philip Jones says: “Despite great efforts on the part of many people throughout the Hereford operation and investment in new business, it has not been possible to bring the Hereford business into sustainable profit.”
Jones confirmed that the plant will continue to operate as normal throughout the 90-day period and, thereafter, should the closure be confirmed, the notice period given to staff will depend on length of service. RPC says it will look sympathetically at relocating any personnel willing to move to another of its facilities.
Jones adds: “Should the closure proceed we will phase it so as to ensure continuity of supply to our customers.” Jones explained that much of the plant’s injection moulding output would be likely to go to other UK sites, while thermoforming production would be transferred to plants both within the UK and mainland Europe.”
