Kimberly-Clark Corp. to close Wisconsin plant

Published 9:00 pm Wednesday, March 15, 2006

NEENAH, Wis. – Kimberly-Clark Corp. said Wednesday it plans to close a diaper plant and distribution center and either close or sell another mill – moves that could affect nearly 700 workers.

The consumer products company, which manufactures Huggies diapers and Kleenex tissue, among other brands, said the proposal was part of a plan announced last summer to trim 10 percent of its global work force.

“This decision had nothing to do with the capabilities of our people and the commitment of our people,” Tom Melsen, the company’s vice president for baby and child care and product supply, said Wednesday.

The company wants to close its Lakeview diaper and distribution center in Neenah, where about 510 people work, by the end of 2007. Officials said they are working with the union on those plans. It hopes to sell its Neenah non-wovens mill, which employs about 165 people, by the end of the year.

Kimberly-Clark plans to maintain its presence in the area, Melsen said. The company is the largest employer in the area, with more than 5,000 employees and a payroll of more than $430 million a year.