Workers and Community Rally Against Proposed Closure of DS Smith Paper Plant in Launceston

Campaigners, workers, and local residents gathered outside the DS Smith paper manufacturing site in Launceston to protest against plans that could see the factory close, warning the move would have a devastating impact on the town and surrounding communities.

The international packaging company is currently consulting with 167 employees at the site, which has been a major local employer for nearly six decades. The proposal forms part of a wider review of the company's UK packaging operations.

Demonstrators stood outside the factory in wet weather holding placards with messages including "Save Our Site!", "Keep Production Local", and "Save Our Future". The protest coincided with a consultation meeting between management, employees, and union representatives.

Janice Mason, a contractor working at the site, said the demonstration aimed to draw attention to the potential consequences of the closure.

"We're just trying to highlight the impact of closing this factory," she said. "Generations of local families have worked here. It's going to be a huge loss to this town."

Mason explained that discussions were taking place between management, workers, and unions to explore whether any alternatives could prevent the closure.

Among those attending the protest was Hayley Sanders, whose husband and father-in-law are employed at the plant. She said the demonstration sought to raise awareness about the site's importance to the local economy and community.

"We want people to understand how important the factory is to the town and the effect that closing it could have on families in the future," Sanders said.

DS Smith said the proposal follows a review of its UK operations and is linked to challenging market conditions.

In a statement, a company spokesperson said: "We are aware of today's peaceful demonstration related to our proposal and recognise the significance of the site to the wider community in Cornwall.

"Our ongoing focus is on supporting colleagues through our consultation process. However, we are unable to comment further until this has concluded."

The proposed closure is part of a broader restructuring effort by the company. In 2024, DS Smith made 70 positions redundant at its site in Louth, Lincolnshire. The company also confirmed that consultations conducted last year at sites in Plymouth, Derbyshire, Newcastle, Sheerness, and Wellingborough resulted in decisions to close those facilities.

The consultation process at Launceston remains ongoing, with workers and residents hoping a solution can be found to secure the future of the long-established factory.