Formally known as Reckitt Benckiser, RB is an international company associated with brands including Vanish stain remover, Nurofen pain relief and Durex condoms.

Its factory in Redruth produces compression hosiery for foot-care brand Scholl, flight socks, prescription hosiery and bandages, which are sold in the UK and Asia.

Consequences

If proposed plans go ahead are accepted, the company will close in the second half of 2015. The company said it will try to help its 52 permanent employees find work, take voluntary redundancy or early retirement.

“The proposal has not been taken lightly and there will now follow a period of consultation with employees before a final decision is made,” said the company’s spokesman.

“Should the proposal go ahead, the company will seek to mitigate the consequences of closure through a programme of early retirement, voluntary redundancy and working with other RB sites and other relevant local agencies to source alternative employment opportunities for affected employees.”

Production volume

The company blamed a decline in production volume as the cause for the potential closure. Mayor of Redruth, Will Tremayne, said: “My sympathy goes out to the staff in these times of uncertainty.

“We relish every business in Redruth and want every business to remain open. Businesses are doing well in Redruth and this is by no means the usual story.”

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