Albis UK has announced a proposal to cease its manufacturing activities at its Knutsford, Cheshire facility but will continue to build and develop its sales and distribution activities in the UK from the site. The transfer is proposed to take place during the first quarter of 2020. The main products affected by this transfer are the Altech and Alcom brands.
The company said that the production of these products will be transferred to the groups German manufacturing sites in Hamburg, Zülpich, and Obernburg, with the intention being to serve UK customers from these sites. The company has made significant capacity investments in these sites in the last two years. The Knutsford site is the smallest of Albis compounding facilities. Other manufacturing sites are the US and China.
“In times of increasing competitive pressure this move is aimed at improving efficiency and ensuring that Albis continues to offer its customers products competitively throughout Europe,” commented Ian Mills, member of the management board and head of the Compounding business. “We recognise the trust our customers place in us and are proud of the long relationships we have developed with many of them and will work hard to make the transfer as seamless as possible. We remain 100 % committed to the UK market and our local UK Sales Team will continue to give the high level of service and expertise demanded in the UK.”
Josephine Bagnall, Albis UK’s Managing Director, added: “Albis will take appropriate measures to ensure products and service commitments are transferred efficiently and effectively. Our distribution partners and customers can be assured that Albis stays fully committed to the UK market. We also recognise the huge role our employees have contributed to our business and we will work closely with them throughout this process to minimise the impact on those affected as far as possible.”
This proposal is subject to a consultation with affected employees which is underway. The company said that it is committed to supporting affected staff as much as possible through this process including outplacement support.