Henkel UK Limited has announced plans to close its Newark site with the potential loss of up to 35 jobs.

The company has undertaken a strategic review of some of its cost base and manufacturing operations across Europe in order to address how to best deliver value to its customers. The action being taken is designed to maintain Henkel’s ability to compete effectively in the European industrial adhesives market. This review confirmed that its Newark site is under-utilized and no longer viable in the longer term.

A period of staff consultation will now take place and will be ongoing. It is estimated that production will cease in the first to second quarter of next year, with site decommissioning to follow in the second to third quarters of 2009.

Production at the site will be transferred to Henkel’s operations in Germany and Italy. It is Henkel’s policy to minimize redundancies, and the company will work with all members of staff to explore alternatives or provide full assistance to all affected employees with job search and financial support in-line with the company’s existing policy.