Twinings consults on packing site closure

Twinings has entered into consultation with workers at North Shields over the proposed closure in September 2011 and a further 129 job losses at its Andover site.

Marcus Cotter-Stone, Twinings’ international supply director said that under the current proposal, Andover will take over production for the UK market.

He said: “Whilst we have had some overseas manufacturing for decades, the majority of our tea is imported and packaged here in the UK prior to being re-exported; and this is not efficient.”

“As two thirds of our sales are overseas, we need to locate manufacturing operations in cost effective locations, closer to markets.”

Under the proposal, Twinings will move two thirds of North Shields’ production to Andover, where it will serve the UK market, and the remaining third will be moved abroad to China and a new facility in Poland to serve foreign markets.

The Union of shop, distributive and allied workers (USDAW) represents workers at the site and has entered into consultation with Twinings.

“At this point we are keen to continue talking with the Company to explore alternatives to the proposal,” said USDAW area organiser Jayne Shotton.

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