Engineered thermoplastics and custom packaging solutions manufacturer Spartech has decided to shut its La Mirada facility in California, US.

The decision is part of the company’s strategy to enhance operational efficiency, remove surplus and disused capacity, as well as use organisational resources more successfully.

According to the company, closure of the facility will be conducted over the next several months.

Spartech CEO John Inks said: “We will work closely with our customers for a smooth transition, and ultimately, continue to improve the overall value we provide them.

“Production at the La Mirada facility will be moved to other Spartech locations in North America that we consider ‘Centers of Excellence’ for these product families.”

The closure is not expected to affect the company’s ability to respond and supply products to meet Covid-19 requirements.

Inks added: “We understand the impact of this announcement on affected associates, their families and the local community and are committed to handling this transition with great sensitivity and care.

“Transitional assistance will be provided during this difficult period for our affected employees.”

Headquartered in St Louis, Missouri, Spartech has an innovation centre and 14 manufacturing facilities offering various products across the US, including UltraTuf, Royalite, Korad, PreservaPak, and Polycast.

In April, Spartech announced that it supplied essential clear plastic materials to Michigan-based intubation boxes and safety shields producer Duo Form to protect healthcare professionals amid the Covid-19 pandemic.