The household products manufacturer is looking to move some production to Germany

The household products manufacturer is looking to move some production to Germany

Addis is to downsize its South Wales moulding operation, putting the jobs of almost half its 240 staff at risk. The household products manufacturer is looking to relocate from its present site in Landore, Swansea, and move some production to a plant in Germany operated by its parent company Emsa.

Addis said it would retain up to 12 of its 27 moulding machines and 120 staff at a new site in Swansea, producing mops, kitchen plastics and utility storage products. Production of food storage and brushware will move to Germany. Addis is also in discussions to sell the overseas part of its commercial division, which supplies cleaning trolleys and other janitorial products, to Somerset firm Crisp Clean Services.

If approved, the move will take place in the second half of this year. The decision followed a period of difficult trading conditions in the first half of 2003, though the company said it “has staged a strong recovery” in recent months. Managing director John Newcomb said he was committed to manufacturing in Swansea. “Addis has benefited from a large amount of investment in recent years. Clearly, we will seek to minimise any negative impact on the workforce.” Over the last eight years Addis has invested more than Ј6.8m (E11m) at the site, including a Ј250,000 (E450,000) Welsh Assembly grant.