ALBIS UK has announced a proposal to cease its manufacturing activities at its Cheshire facility during the first quarter of 2020; however, the company will continue to build its sales and distribution activities in the UK from the site.
The main products affected by the transfer are ALBIS brands ALTECH® and ALCOM®. The production of these products will be transferred to the Groups three manufacturing sites in Germany in Hamburg, Zülpich and Obernburg, with the intention being to serve UK customers from these sites. ALBIS has made significant capacity investments in these sites in the last two years. The Knutsford site is the smallest of ALBIS’ compounding facilities. ALBIS also has manufacturing sites in the US and China.
“In times of increasing competitive pressure this move is aimed at improving efficiency and ensuring that ALBIS continues to offer its customers products competitively throughout Europe,” commented Ian Mills, member of the ALBIS Management board and head of the Compounding business. “We recognise the trust our customers place in us and are proud of the long relationships we have developed with many of them and will work hard to make the transfer as seamless as possible. We remain 100% committed to the UK market and our local UK Sales Team will continue to give the high level of service and expertise demanded in the UK.”
Commenting on the proposal Josephine Bagnall, ALBIS UK’s Managing Director, said: “ALBIS will take appropriate measures to ensure products and service commitments are transferred efficiently and effectively. Our Distribution Partners and customers can be assured that ALBIS stays fully committed to the UK market. We also recognise the huge role our employees have contributed to our business, and we will work closely with them throughout this process to minimise the impact on those affected as far as possible.”
This proposal is subject to a consultation with affected employees which is underway, and ALBIS is committed to supporting affected staff as much as possible through this process, including outplacement support.
