Navigator Tissue UK makes proposed changes to North West operations

Navigator Tissue UK - which bought Blackburn-based Accrol in  a £130m deal last year - looks set to make redundancies in the town.

It has revealed plans to consolidate its UK manufacturing operations, which includes potential changes to two of its four Blackburn sites.

Navigator has entered a formal consultation phase with its employees. Company bosses have not revealed how many redundancies there will be but say they are looking to retain as many roles as possible so job losses in Blackburn will be minimal. Navigator is not disclosing how many people it currently employs in Lancashire.

The proposals under discussion  will see its rolls manufacturing operation, currently at Roman Road, moved to Navigator sites in Leyland and a new, larger facility in Leicester.  Its facial tissue facility in Blackburn will remain operational.

Simon Nelson, operations director at Navigator Tissue UK, said: “This move is about making sure we build a strong and resilient future for our UK business - one that continues to deliver for our customers and our communities.

 “We have a long-standing connection with the Blackburn community and are incredibly proud of our heritage in the region.

"Our priority now is to work closely and openly with our colleagues and the local authorities as we go through this consultation.

"Our aim is to minimise job losses wherever possible, and we will fully support any colleagues impacted throughout the proposed transition.”

The group says it is also planning further investment in its Leyland and Leicester sites over the next five years. It will also continue its partnership as a patron to Blackburn and Darwen Youth Zone.

Accrol was one of the leading tissue manufacturers in the UK at the time of the acquisition, producing toilet rolls, kitchen rolls and own-brand facial tissues for most of the country's main retailers.

It had experienced consecutive years of growth, both organically and through its own acquisitions. 

 António Redondo, chief executive officer, said at the time:  “Accrol brings an outstanding business franchise, including an exceptional customer base, highly skilled employees and a solid track record of producing quality tissue products.”

 Navigator Tissue UK is part of The Navigator Company, a Portuguese-listed global pulp and paper manufacturer. The group reported revenues of €2.088bn in its most recent financial year.