Hundreds of workers are out of work after iconic nappies brand Huggies closed their NSW factory yesterday.
A total of 220 workers were made redundant after Kimberly-Clark Australia - who own Huggies - announced plans to move the company’s production to Asia.
Employees have been left devastated by the decision, with one worker telling 9 News: ‘It's going to be sad, very sad. We've basically seen more of each other because we work 12 hour shifts than we do of our families, these people are like family.'
Kimberly-Clark has denied claims from parents that the move will affect the quality and price of Huggies nappies, saying the relocation is about 'faster access to the latest research and engineering advancements in nappies and pants.’
The Ingleburn factory has closed after making nappies for more than 30 years, after starting production back in 1988. The company still has a factory in SA.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, electrical engineer Martin Cordina - who works at nearby Powered Innovations - voiced his concerns over the move to Asia.
'Huggies excuse was due to 'research and development,' but it's a nappy company,’ he said. ‘It doesn't matter where the nappy is made, it's the same technology, so it's just an excuse for cheaper manufacturing to make more profit because the labour costs are too high here.
'Not only do we give away the product [overseas] but we give away the knowledge and expertise.'
