EFFORTS to support 259 staff who stand to lose their jobs with the closure of Wellington’s Swallowfield factory have started to kick in, even before Canadian owner KDC/One has made the decision final.

Wellington Town Council said with partners it would co-ordinate access to employment and skills support, financial and welfare advice, wellbeing and community services, and drop-in redundancy support days in its Kings Arms community hub for those affected.

Council community development officer Laura Batcha said: “The hub is here to be a safe and supportive space.

“Anybody affected will be able to find clear information, practical help, and a friendly face to guide them to the right services.”

KDC/One is planning to move its Wellington business to Ayrshire, in Scotland, where in September it bought Barony Universal.

Barony is a premium independent contract filler of personal care and household aerosols which KDC/One sees as strengthening its customer offer and supporting its growth ambitions.

KDC/One chief executive Nicholas Whitley said: “The acquisition came about as part of our continual assessment of the capabilities of our global operations alongside our strategy to drive growth opportunities both in the UK and globally.

“We gained a new modern, automated production facility in Scotland, which made us look closer at our UK estate to ensure it was fit for purpose.”

Wellington Mayor Cllr Janet Lloyd said: “Not only do I speak as a local councillor, but also as an ex-employee of the company.

“In fact, my son is currently employed there so it will have a personal effect on my family and I am still in touch with my ex-colleagues who will also be affected by the terrible news, some of whom have worked at the site all their lives.

“This decision to close the largest employer in the town will have a huge knock-on effect for many other businesses in the town.

“I presume a company based at Chelston probably produces the cardboard packaging for the Swallowfield products, and other businesses will also feel the effect of the closure.

“It is really very bad news for Wellington and its residents.

“The production and manufacture of aerosols was born and bred in the town and now it will be no more.

“The town council is committed to supporting the employees and our community at this dreadful time and has called for a meeting with KDC/One to discuss managing the process.

“The only indication of closure that we have at present is some time in 2026.”

MP Gideon Amos said he was ‘shocked and dismayed’ and was ‘pursuing continued operation as a priority’.

Mr Amos said he had written to the firm to say the proposed transfer to Scotland after recent investment in the Wellington premises was ‘totally unexpected’ and begged the question why it was not willing or proposing to sell Swallowfield as a going concern.

He said: “I urge the company to put their interests, and those of Wellington, ahead of short-term considerations by thinking again and keeping the premises operating until a buyer is found.”