Packaging firm announces plans to close Deeside factory with loss of 167 jobs

A packaging business has announced plans to close its Deeside factory with the potential loss of up to 167 jobs.

Mondi says it has opened a 45-day consultation with employee representatives regarding the closure of all its Welsh operations in the second half of this year.

The Deeside factory employs 167 people.

Mondi, which claims on its website to be the "world's largest paper bag producer", says it is "committed to treating people fairly throughout the process".

The firm says it employs more than 26,000 people across 30 countries.

It said the proposed closure was due to a "change in demand for the niche products" produced at its Deeside and Nelson sites.

Mondi says it remains "fully committed to flexible plastics packaging and will continue to serve its UK customers from its wide network of production facilities across Europe".

On its website, Mondi describes itself as a "global leader in flexible packaging". It makes products including industrial paper bags primarily used in cement and building materials, agricultural, chemical and food products, as well as retail shopping bags and sustainable food packaging.

Mark Tami MP, who represents Alyn and Deeside said he was "shocked" at the news.