Navigator Consolidates UK Tissue Manufacturing, Closing Blackburn Facility
Navigator Company is restructuring its tissue operations in the united Kingdom, consolidating production from six sites to two as it integrates the Accrol Group, acquired in 2024 for approximately €152 million (US$176 million). The plan involves closing the toilet paper and paper towel factory in Blackburn, northern England, and shifting output to new and existing facilities in Leicester and Leyland.
The Leicester plant’s capacity is projected to increase by 30% to 50%, while the Leyland facility is expected to grow by 15% to 25%. Navigator anticipates completing the reorganization between late 2026 and the second quarter of 2027. the Blackburn facial tissue factory will remain operational.
According to Navigator,the restructuring aims to “reinforce operational efficiency and the competitiveness of the tissue business in the United Kingdom,” aligning UK practices with the company’s global model. The Leicester and Leyland locations were chosen for their strategic positioning to efficiently serve both northern and southern England, reducing logistics expenses.
Driven by the Accrol integration, Navigator’s tissue sales increased by 14% in volume and 17% in value between January and September 2025.Though, the company’s net profit decreased by 51% to €118 million, attributed to rising energy and raw material costs and declining pulp prices.
During the first nine months of 2025, the tissue segment produced 177,000 tons, a 14% volume and 17% value increase. International sales accounted for approximately 80% of the total volume, up from 54% in 2022, with the United Kingdom (35%), Spain (30%), and France (14%) representing key markets.Finished products comprised 98% of sales, with jumbo rolls making up the remaining 2%.
