Union responds to closure of Smith Anderson paper mill

Smith Anderson, one of Scotland's oldest manufacturing companies, has closed its paper-making business with the loss of 106 jobs. The paper mill, in Leslie, specializes in recycled products. Receivers have been called in from accountancy firm KPMG and the mill has been shut down immediately, Smith Anderson confirmed.

Assistant general secretary of Amicus – the UK’s largest manufacturing union – Tony Burke said: ‘Once again, high-energy prices have contributed towards the decision to close another paper mill. This a devastating blow to the paper industry in the UK and manufacturing in Scotland.

‘Amicus has been working with companies in the UK to get the government to address the question of high energy prices which are crippling heavy users such a paper making. Our priority now is to help our members who have lost their jobs in Scotland and our local officials will be dealing with this.’