Newhaven MP Norman Baker has reacted with huge dismay to the news, issued today, that the Parker Pen plant in Newhaven is to close in 2010 with the loss of around 180 jobs.
The terrible news was confirmed in a telephone call between the MP and Andy Smith, the head of manufacturing at the plant. Parent company Newell Rubbermaid says it is "responding to the global shift in demand" and will now be concentrating its European manufacturing activities in Nantes, in France .
Parker Pen has been in Newhaven for decades and is possibly the largest employers in the town. The plant has previously seen high-profile visits, including one from the then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.
Norman Baker says: "This is a terrible day for Newhaven, and particularly of course for the employees of Parker Pen and their families. I am writing to the management of the company to ask them urgently to reconsider their decision, but to be honest, I don't hold out much hope. I will also be writing to the government, asking them to ensure a package of support is now provided for Newhaven. I will also be asking Jobcentreplus to set up a special unit to help those who face losing their jobs.
"Parker Pen has for many years been the flagship employer in Newhaven, and this is a bitter blow for the town which is already much worse hit by the recession than other towns nearby. It is also the end of an era."
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Contact Norman at:
Norman Baker,
23 East Street,
Lewes,
East Sussex,
BN7 2LJ.
Tel: (01273) 480281.
Fax: (01273) 480287.
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