ENGLAND (From news reports) -- A manufacturing site in Chelmsford is set to close, with dozens of people now facing losing their jobs. Smurfit Westrock has begun a consultation process to close its facility in Chelmsford and relocate the business elsewhere.

Approximately 74 employees will be impacted by the closure, the firm said on Thursday (April 23). The warehouse on Widford Industrial Estate in Chelmsford manufactures and supplies corrugated sheet board to customers across the UK. They support a wide range of markets, including food, drink and cosmetics.

The decision comes just a few years after the global firm made a significant £5.5m investment at the Chelmsford site in 2023. The company at the time said it was "an award-winning site" where staff were "constantly raising the bar when it comes to quality and innovation in printed packaging".

Smurfit Westrock said the relocation will ensure an ongoing, long-term commitment to its customers and a continued focus on service, quality and innovation. The company was named 'Supplier of the Year' by Haleon earlier this year and is due to announce its first-quarter results for 2026 on April 30. The company has more than 500 sites across the world, including in the UK, the USA, New Zealand, Italy and more.

Eddie Fellows, CEO of Smurfit Westrock Ireland & UK, said of the closure: "I would like to personally recognise the tremendous commitment and support of our colleagues in Chelmsford, who have built strong reputations with customers through many years of dedicated service. The proposed changes are focused on securing a resilient and sustainable future for the business and our customers. We recognise how difficult this will be for our loyal teams and will actively support them during this period."