In a trading update issued today (25 September), the £1.1bn-turnover global packaging group said the two facilities at Manati and Guaynabo had not been operational since 19 September, and that it was instead focusing its efforts since last week on ensuring the safety of its 345 cross-site employees.   

Although Essentra said both sites are "fundamentally intact", the availability of power, employee circumstances and disruption to infrastructure were highlighted as impediments to resuming activity, with the financial impact estimated to be at around £500,000 to £750,000 per week, a significant part of which will be recovered through insurance policies. 

Essentra chief executive Paul Forman said: “Our experienced local team was very well prepared for the hurricane strike, and – supported by colleagues from the wider Health & Personal Care Packaging – Americas business – has done an excellent job of managing events to date, thanks to their tireless efforts and commitment. 

“With communications in Puerto Rico remaining sporadic, our ongoing priority is confirming the safety of all our employees and on providing them with whatever assistance we can.”

Forman added that Essentra was in dialogue with customers, most of whom are in a similar position with regards the status of their own operations, and that a further update would be provided in a future trading statement.

Other Essentra sites in Houston, Florida and Puerto Rico had previously been impacted by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, with profit impact from the storms estimated at around £500,000 to £1m.

In July, Essentra, which has operations in around 30 countries, announced the proposed closure of its Newport site, just a year after it was opened, which could lead to around 150 job losses.