The owners of the factory in North Wales said the decision was due to an upcoming UK plastics ban
A North Wales manufacturing facility that previously provided employment for approximately 200 people has permanently shut down. During 2024, Kimberly-Clark revealed plans for consultation regarding the proposed closure of wet wipe production facilities in Flint.
The company attributed this decision to forthcoming UK legislation banning plastics. The previous Conservative Government, alongside Labour and SNP administrations in Wales and Scotland respectively, opted to ban the sale of plastic-containing baby wipes from mid-2026.
Kimberly-Clark stated that their Flint facility could not be restructured within the required timeframe to comply with the new regulations.
The site had provided work for roughly 200 employees, with an additional 100 positions supported through the local supply network.
Unite union declared: “After decades of dedication, the Kimberly-Clark site in Flint, North Wales, closes its doors for the final time today.
“We stand in solidarity with every worker affected – past and present – whose skill, loyalty, and hard work made this site a cornerstone of the local community,” reports North Wales Live.
“The dignity and solidarity our members have shown in the last thirteen turbulent months has been phenomenal.
“It is a true testament to them in that 95% of the employees have been able to secure alternative employment ensuring that valuable skills and experience will not be wasted.
“On behalf of Unite Wales we wish our members the best of luck as they embark on their new chapters.” For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here.