Fenner mining conveyor belts plant to close in UK

London – Fenner Dunlop, part of Groupe Michelin, is restructuring its conveyor belting business in the UK in order to reduce exposure to Russia.

In a recent letter to UK prime minister Rishi Sunak, local MP Karl Turner confirmed the closure of Fenner Dunlop Engineering Conveyor Solutions plant in Marfleet, East Hull.

A “significant proportion” of output from the 70-employee, mining conveyor belts plant went to Russia before the Ukraine war, according to Turner.

“Despite determined attempts to diversify, attempts to find alternatives to closure through an employee consultation have failed,” his letter added.

Activity in Marfleet will, therefore, be wound down immediately with full closure in 2023, the politician reported.

In its full year financial report published 13 Feb, Michelin noted a "€13 million provision for the restructuring of Fenner’s conveyor belt business in the UK."

Michelin did not specify any particular facility involved, but said the Fenner unit was “heavily exposed to the Russian market.”