Smurfit Westrock UK is considering closing a paper mill and four converting plants

The paper mill in Birmingham produces approximately 200,000 tons of corrugating medium and testliner annually for the British and Irish corrugated packaging market. According to Smurfit Westrock, the review is driven by “challenging external market conditions” as well as the need to optimize the company’s production structure in the United Kingdom and improve long-term competitiveness.

In the event of a closure, the volumes currently produced in Birmingham would be shifted to other mills within Smurfit Westrock’s European network. This would allow the company to continue supplying customers while maintaining a sustainable long-term presence in the British paper market, the company stated.

Pim Wareman, CEO of Smurfit Westrock’s Recycled Paper Cluster Europe business unit, described the move as a “difficult but necessary decision” to adapt the company to current market conditions and strengthen its long-term position. He also praised the contributions of the employees at the Birmingham site. In November 2025, Smurfit Westrock opened a new production facility for medical packaging solutions in Dublin.

The consultation process is scheduled to begin on May 15 and last six weeks. A final decision on the future of the plant will be made after the consultation is completed.

In the event of a closure, approximately 130 employees would be affected. Smurfit Westrock stated that affected employees would be offered support measures, including assistance with career transition and alternative employment opportunities within the group.