Group chief executive Jonathan Mitchell has written to customers explaining firm’s the situation, which he said had “evolved very rapidly” along with government’s policy and guidance.

He said: “We have stated previously that as well as keeping our employees safe and healthy and being socially responsible, it is essential that we minimise the impact on our customers.

“However, to answer the Scottish Government’s call for businesses to act responsibly we have decided to begin a managed and controlled shutdown process in order to have Stoneywood mill fully closed by April 5th with production and despatches continuing until that date.”

The Scottish government has advised that all business premises, sites and attractions should close unless they are essential to the health and welfare of the country during the crisis; are supporting essential services; are capable of working in a way that is fully consistent with social distancing advice; or need to continue operating in order to carry out a safe shutdown.

A scheduled maintenance shut had already been planned for the mill at that date, and this will now be extended.

Mitchell said the mill hoped to restart “as soon as possible, once Scottish Government guidelines allow”.

He said the business held a large stock of finished goods in its two European warehouses, and both warehouses remained operational for stock orders “which should ensure that impact on our customers is minimised”.

Sales and customer service function will continue, albeit at a reduced level.

Arjo’s Chartham mill in Kent and Guarro mill in Spain mills are still operating in line with UK and Spanish government guidelines.

The Arjowiggins businesses in the UK and Spain were acquired out of administration in a two-phase MBO process in September and October last year.