A KEY Somerset employer is set to be closed, with hundreds of colleagues' jobs left hanging in the balance.
The kdc/one Swallowfield Wellington factory, which lies near the former Wellington railway station site on Station Road, is set to be no more after its owner announced a "decision to propose to close" on November 19.
The factory, which produces hair and beauty products, is a key employer in Wellington. In 2018, KDC/One later consolidated some of its Europe-wide operations in Wellington and said it was "committed to trading from the town, safeguarding the jobs of its 259-strong workforce".
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KDC/one owner, Nicholas Whitley, said: “After careful consideration, we have made the difficult decision to propose to close our Swallowfield Wellington production site.
“This proposal was not taken lightly, and it comes after an extensive review of various factors regarding our manufacturing operations.
“As a result of the review, we propose to absorb the volume from Swallowfield Wellington and allocate it to our Barony Universal site in Scotland so we can operate more efficiently.
“Our priority remains the well-being and support of our employees during this proposed transition. We will be providing assistance and resources – including a number of relocation opportunities – to employees that may be impacted by this.”
As recently as 2023, the business was given planning approval to upgrade the 19th-century factory building, ensuring the safety of its workforce for many years to come.
In 2020, the Wellington factory had announced plans to lose some employees as part of a ‘company-wide strategic review’. KDC/One Europe President Matthew Gazzard said at the time: "While the decision to make changes in operational personnel at Wellington has not been an easy one, it is necessary to move the business forward and continue to innovate and meet customer expectations in a highly demanding and competitive marketplace."
MP for Taunton and Wellington, Gideon Amos, has said he was "shocked and dismayed" to hear the news.
He has written to KDC/one’s President and CEO, Nicholas Whitley, stating: "After 149 years of Swallowfield in Wellington and the recent investment made in the premises in 2023/24, your proposals are totally unexpected and beg the question: Why you are not willing or proposing to sell the business as a going concern?
"With over 250 jobs at stake, I urge the company to put their interests, and those of Wellington, ahead of short-term considerations by thinking again and keeping the premises operating until a buyer is found."
Mr Amos added: "While I am pursuing continued operation as a priority, I have also spoken today with the Leader of Somerset Council, Bill Revans.
"He has now asked the Economic Development department team to step up support for those affected.
"If the closure is to go ahead, we must do everything we can to help them."
The Somerset County Gazette have contacted the company regarding when the Wellington factory will close.
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