The group is shifting production to lower-cost countries in central and Eastern Europe

The group is shifting production to lower-cost countries in central and Eastern Europe

Gillette is shutting its UK manufacturing operation at Isleworth, west London, with the loss of 400 jobs. The closure of the site that produces disposable razors and blades is part of a major realignment of Gillette’s European operations in which production will be shifted to lower-cost countries in central and Eastern Europe. The UK site will be closed by 2007.

Gillette will withdraw from its leased packaging operation at Hemel Hempsted by mid-2005. Packaging firm Sonoco, which manages the site, will seek new customers to replace the business. A spokeswoman said: “We hope this will result in no job losses.” About 265 staff are employed at the site.

The Isleworth site houses 60 injection moulding machines. Most of its products are made in HIPS. Gillette’s UK research and development site at Reading, which also makes personal care products, is unaffected by the announcement.

The group will establish a major facility to produce disposable razors and other shaving systems in a central or Eastern European country. The site will also package and distribute all Gillette blade and razor products in Europe.

A spokeswoman said Gillette had examined 28 possible countries and had shortlisted three – Poland, Czech Republic and Hungary. A decision on the location is expected early next year.

Production of the Sensor range of razors will be temporarily shifted from the group’s flagship Berlin site into its manufacturing centre at Lodz, Poland, before it moves to the new European facility. Another 100 job cuts will made in Berlin. Production of double-edge and some disposable razors will be transferred from Jevicko, Czech Republic, to St Petersburg in Russia.

Gillette global technical and manufacturing president Michael Cowhig said: “These actions will significantly reduce costs, improve our operating efficiency and streamline our European blade and razor manufacturing, packaging and warehouse operations.”