The BBC reported on Thursday (29 February) that the firm had begun a phased closure of the site’s sheetfeeding operation. The majority of staff at the site were set to leave last week, with 70 roles to be made redundant, according to the broadcaster.

The BBC said a skeleton crew would remain at the site until it closes in August, but that the site’s main production was due to cease on 29 February.

A statement sent by DS Smith to Printweek today said: “A period of collective consultation has been undertaken with the trade union and employee representatives at our sheetfeeding site in Louth.

“Unfortunately, there has been no viable alternative business proposals presented during this process, and we have therefore taken the difficult decision to proceed with the proposal to close the site. We will now focus our efforts on supporting all those employees impacted by this decision.”

Last week, the London-headquartered packaging giant unveiled a £48m investment in a new fibre preparation line (F-line) at its Kemsley paper mill.