Essity Prudhoe Mill Welcomes Chair/Mayor Councillor Angie Scott for an Insightful Visit

Essity Prudhoe Mill had the pleasure of hosting Chair/Mayor Councillor Angie Scott on Monday, 29 July 2024. Greeted by Mill Manager Martin Hallissey and Public Relations Consultant Tony Bradley, Councillor Scott embarked on an engaging and informative tour of the mill.

Essity is a key player in the UK’s paper product manufacturing sector, operating six manufacturing sites across the country. These sites produce well-known branded and own-label paper products, including Cushelle toilet roll, Velvet toilet roll, Tork paper products, and Plenty household towel. Collectively, Essity employs around 1,000 people in the UK, with the Prudhoe Mill being the largest site, employing approximately 400 people. The Prudhoe facility is integral to the production of brands such as Velvet, Cushelle, and Tork, as well as own-label products for major UK retailers like Asda.

The visit commenced with a detailed presentation outlining the rich history and evolution of Prudhoe Mill. Initially known as Kimberly-Clark when it opened in 1969, the site later became SCA Hygiene and is now proudly operated by Essity.

The mill’s storied past set the stage for a tour showcasing the impressive advancements and renovations currently underway, particularly at Unifibres. The Unifibres section is undergoing significant renovation to replace its 50-year-old recycling plant with a state-of-the-art facility featuring the latest in paper-recycling technology. Once the demolition of the existing plant is complete, four new buildings will be constructed toward the centre of the site, strategically positioned to be less visible from the main road. This project is set for completion by 2025.

Highlighting Essity’s commitment to nurturing talent, the company operates a renowned apprenticeship program and offers various graduate and internship opportunities. The Prudhoe Academy, launched in 2022, garnered national acclaim in 2023 by winning the prestigious Gold Skills Award from the Confederation of Paper Industries. This accolade, presented at an awards ceremony in the House of Commons, underscores Essity’s dedication to investing in employee skill development and apprentice training.

The on-site classrooms and lecturers at Prudhoe Academy ensure that apprentices receive comprehensive training without needing to leave the site. This hands-on approach, coupled with regular access to the machinery they will eventually work on, provides apprentices with an unparalleled start to their careers in manufacturing.

Reflecting on her visit, Chair/Mayor Councillor Angie Scott remarked, “I had the opportunity to visit Essity, and what a great experience it was. I honestly expected to see something different. I was so impressed with the science and technology; the machinery is magnificent – it’s so impressive to see.”

Photograph taken by Tony Bradley, Essity Public Relations Consultant, left to right Martin Hallissey Prudhoe Mill Manager, Chair/Mayor Councillor Angie Scott, Shirley Ann Gaut Prudhoe Town Council