Polimeri Europa UK to close synthetic rubber plant
ERJ staff report (TP)
Hythe, Hampshire, UK − Polimeri Europa UK, who make synthetic rubber, is to shut its factory in Hampshire with the loss of up to 300 jobs, reported the BBC.
Polimeri Europa UK told employees it would be closing its plant at Hythe near Southampton at the start of 2014.
The company blamed the closure on falling demand for replacement car tires, as well as competition in Asia leading to a fall in exports.
It has manufactured synthetic rubber, for tires and moulded foams, at the Hythe factory for 50 years.
A statement from the company which is a UK subsidiary of Italian firm Eni, said 130 posts would go, although the BBC understands the number of sub-contracted jobs also at risk will push the total figure towards 300.
In a statement the company said: "The Hythe site has been successful in making significant improvements to its performance over the last few years however, unfortunately, without a sustainable market for its products it is unable to benefit from the progress made."
It said consultations with trade unions would begin in the next few weeks.
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