95 jobs lost in paper mill closure

The Edward Thompson Group is to close its Sunderland Paper Mill in April, resulting in the loss of 95 jobs.

Last year, the business announced that it was in consultation with employees over the closure.

The decision to close was driven by gas and electricity costs rising by 160%, to create an annual energy bill of 2.5m, against sales of 10m.

Mill director Alan Wilson said there would be a phased shutdown until April, when the remaining 35 staff would leave. Around 60 staff were made redundant last month.

Wilson said that the mill's stock and equipment would be sold off.
The games and print divisions of the group were unaffected by the closure.

The mill specialises in the production of recycled paper and bespoke mailing products, producing 23,000 tonnes per year.