Smurfit Westrock to close its SSK paper mill in Birmingham, UK, driven by sustained challenging market conditions and the need to optimise the company’s manufacturing footprint in the UK, strengthening its long-term competitiveness.
Jul 15, 2026
Smurfit Westrock to close its SSK paper mill in Birmingham, UK. The decision follows a consultation process announced on April 30, 2026 during which no viable alternatives to ceasing operations were identified.
The closure has been driven by sustained challenging market conditions, alongside the need to optimise the company’s UK manufacturing footprint and strengthen its long-term competitiveness.
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“I recognise that this news will be difficult, particularly for our colleagues at SSK. I would like to thank everyone for their continued professionalism, patience and dedication throughout this challenging process,” said Mr. Pim Wareman, CEO of Smurfit Westrock Recycled Paper Cluster Europe.
Production at the mill ceased on July 27,2026, with its capacity set to be redistributed across other sites within Smurfit Westrock’s European mill network. The SSK facility currently manufactures and supplies approximately 200,000 tonnes of fluting and liner paper annually to the UK and Irish corrugated packaging markets.
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.
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The closure will impact 117 colleagues. Smurfit Westrock is committed to supporting those affected by offering career transition assistance and, where possible, exploring redeployment opportunities within the wider group.
