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Unilever to close its Flintshire IT base

A EWLOE IT centre will close with the expected loss of 100 jobs.

Consumer goods giant Unilever has confirmed it will shut its Flintshire base, which employs around 500 people, in 2014.

The move is part of a £40m investment in its headquarters at Port Sunlight, Wirral, where a new manufacturing and IT hub will be set up. Around 150 new roles will be created at the high-tech facility.

About 400 of the jobs in Ewloe will move to the Port Sunlight site 15 miles away with the possible loss of the remaining 100 jobs – although this has yet to be decided.

It is expected that a number of other roles will move to Unilever’s IT centre in Bangalore, India.

Its manufacturing centres in Swansea and Slough, along with its distribution centre in Bridgend will close by the end of 2013.

The news confirms proposals which were announced in June.

Affected workers were told of the changes by company bosses last Thursday and consultations with staff were due to start this week.

The company says about 50 jobs will be created at Great Bear in Deeside Industrial Park which will serve as the distribution centre for the new Port Sunlight factory.

Chairman of Unilever UK and Ireland Amanda Sourry said: “Following an extensive review, we have decided to move forward with proposals outlined in June. The investment into Port Sunlight will play a significant role in helping to maintain and sustain our current success and competitiveness both in the UK and on a global scale.

“We understand that many of our employees will be anxious at this time. That’s why we are pledging a good package of support for employees who are adversely affected. We will consult fully on these measures, and are committed to conducting a sensitive and thorough consultation and helping our employees to understand their options for the future.”

The company makes a wide range of consumer products, including household brands such as PG Tips, Pot Noodle and Marmite to Persil, Domestos and Dove soap.

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