Glass packaging producer Verallia UK is set to cut up to 40 jobs across its Yorkshire facilities.

Earlier this month, the GMB Union reported that the company had opened consultations on proposed redundancies at its Knottingley and Leeds sites, with the union attributing the situation in part to the Glass Packaging Tax.

The company will bring a newly rebuilt and more efficient furnace online at its Leeds plant and permanently close an older furnace in Knottingley, reported Insider Media.

GMB regional organiser Darran Travis described the announcement as “devastating news” for both workers and the community.

He also commented that glass manufacturing is “not operating on a level playing field”.

In a statement to Packaging Gateway, Verallia said that a consultation is ongoing with staff and their representatives to consider alternatives, such as offering around 25 opportunities for redeployment at other company locations in Knottingley, Leeds, and Castleford.

The statement added: "This strategic decision will allow us to consolidate production onto more modern equipment and strengthen the competitiveness of UK glass manufacturing while improving operational efficiency, increasing our use of recycled glass, and reducing CO₂ emissions to meet growing customer demand for more sustainable packaging.

"Knottingley remains essential to our future operations, and we will continue to invest in the site this year and in the future with the aim of ensuring a strong, sustainable, and competitive operation for the long term.

"We understand this is a difficult time for affected colleagues and their families, and we are committed to supporting everyone with respect and fairness throughout this process."

Last month, Verallia announced Cristina Riesgo as the company’s incoming chief financial officer.  

She will assume her role on 1 March 2026, succeeding Nathalie Delbreuve. Riesgo has more than 20 years of experience in senior financial roles across multiple industries.