Smurfit Westrock's SSK mill in Birmingham currently produces approximately 200,000 tonnes per year of fluting and liner.
July 7, 2026 - Smurfit Westrock on June 29 confirmed plans to close its SSK paper mill in Birmingham, UK, on July 27.
The decision follows a consultation process announced on April 30, during which no viable alternatives to ceasing operations were identified.
The closure will impact 117 employees.
Smurfit Westrock said the decision to close the mill has been driven by sustained challenging market conditions, alongside the need to optimize the company's UK manufacturing footprint and strengthen its long-term competitiveness.
"I recognize that this news will be difficult, particularly for our colleagues at SSK," said Pim Wareman, CEO of Smurfit Westrock Recycled Paper Cluster Europe. "I would like to thank everyone for their continued professionalism, patience and dedication throughout this challenging process."
Production at the mill will cease on 27th July, with its capacity set to be redistributed across other sites within Smurfit Westrock's European mill network, the company said.
The SSK facility currently manufactures and supplies approximately 200,000 tonnes of fluting and liner annually to the UK and Irish corrugated packaging markets.
In a press release, the company said, "Through the planned transition, Smurfit Westrock will continue to support customers via its broader European network, maintaining high standards of service quality, reliability, innovation, and sustainability, while reinforcing a strong and resilient long-term presence in the UK paper market.
"Smurfit Westrock is committed to supporting those affected by offering career transition assistance and, where possible, exploring redeployment opportunities within the wider group."
Smurfit Westrock is a leading global producer of paper and packaging solutions. The company has over 97,000 employees operating across 500+ packaging and other facilities as well as 57 mills across 40 countries.
SOURCE: Smurfit Westrock