Sensodyne maker to shut UK factory with 435 jobs to be axed

The firm is aiming to close the operation on a phased basis over the next two years.

Haleon has emphasised that the plans are being consulted on.

The factory manufactures some of the FTSE 100 listed firm's toothpaste and mouthwash brands, such as Sensodyne and Parodontax.

Haleon, which has almost 2,000 employees in the UK, will transfer some of the production to its factory in Slovakia.

The firm has 25 factories worldwide.

A spokesman for Haleon said: “Following a strategic review of our global manufacturing capabilities, we have determined that our Maidenhead site is no longer a viable option for the manufacture of our products.

“We have therefore taken the difficult decision to begin a phased closure of the site over a two-year period, subject to consultation.

“This decision was not taken lightly, and our priority is to ensure that the people impacted are supported through this process.”

Following the closure, Haleon will have a corporate office in Weybridge, Surrey and another in London.

It is investing £130million in a new research and development site in Weybridge.

Haleon was formed in 2019 following the merger of British pharmaceutical group GSK and US rival Pfizer, sitting as a joint venture within GSK.

It became a standalone business listed on the London Stock Exchange in July 2022.

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GSK and Pfizer have since sold down their stakes in the company.

The pair own 4.2 per cent and around 24 per cent respectively.

Haleon agreed a deal in January to offload its ChapStick lip balm brand to the private equity-owned Suave Brands Company, in a deal worth around 510 million US dollars (around £400million).

It sold off the athlete's foot treatment Lamisil last year.