MANAGEMENT at condom and medicine maker SSL International said last night its 300-strong workforce in the region was secure - despite plans to close its Derby factory and shift production to India.
Scholl footwear manufacturer SSL announced plans to close Derby, which is mainly involved in the packaging of footwear products, with the loss of 124 jobs.
SSL, which also makes Durex condoms, has a sizeable manufacturing presence in Asia, but still has some plants in the UK, including the one at Peterlee, and another in Cornwall.
SSL said: "Following consultation with employees and trade union representatives, a gradual run-down is planned, with the Derby site expected to close in December 2005."
A spokeswoman last night said that production of medicines, including Syndol and Meltus cough medicine, would carry on at Peterlee and there were no plans to close the County Durham factory, which employs 300.
She said the over-the-counter medicine market, manufactured at Peterlee was more heavily regulated than the products, including Scholl corn plasters and blister pads, made at the Derby plant.
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