Tissue maker brings 40 new jobs to Skelmersdale

Global hygiene and health company Essity has invested £12m in reopening a Skelmersdale paper mill, which will create 40 new jobs.

The Tawd plant will see Stockholm-based Essity become the UK’s largest manufacturer of premium quality tissue.

Originally opened in 1999, the Tawd Mill has been out of action since 2008, but was kept in operating condition until additional manufacturing capacity was required.

Production is due to begin early this year, and will account for thousands of tons of paper on giant ‘mother reels’ – made from 100 per cent certified or controlled fibre – made for for other Essity sites across the UK.

At these other sites, the tissue will be converted into some of the UK’s best-known household brands such as Cushelle, Plenty and Velvet.

LEP board member Graham Cowley says that existing large local employers making additional investments of this type is further proof of the county’s ability to attract and retain world-class businesses.

“I’m delighted to welcome this exciting investment as a tangible example of the commitment and confidence Essity has in its base in Skelmersdale, and the local workforce,” he said.

Essity’s other location on Pimbo Road, Skelmersdale, has 334 employees and is one of the largest sites in Europe for the production of the company’s Professional Hygiene range – that includes Tork folding hand towels used in hospitals, hotels and motorway service areas.