DS Smith has confirmed the closure of five UK packaging sites, with its Clay Cross box plant in Derbyshire among them. The move is part of a broader restructuring following the company’s acquisition by International Paper earlier this year.
The Derbyshire site, which employs approximately 140 people and has been in operation for over five decades, is the only box plant affected. The remaining closures include sheet plants in Plymouth, Newcastle, Sheerness, and Wellingborough. In addition to the shutdowns, the company plans to relocate its Milton Keynes business, reduce operations from 24-7 to 24-5 at Burscough, and implement small headcount cuts at Redditch and Launceston.
The US-based packaging giant has said the changes aim to streamline operations amid difficult market conditions. Consultations are underway, with total job losses potentially reaching 300 across the affected locations.
The proposed closure of Clay Cross has sparked local concern, given its longstanding role in the community. Despite recent investments in machinery at the site, trade unions fear the decision is final, with limited options for redeployment due to the scarcity of nearby DS Smith facilities. The nearest alternative site is in Belper, roughly 10 miles away.
