A demonstration unfolded outside a paper company in Launceston as campaigners rallied against its potential closure, warning that losing the plant would be a 'huge loss' to the area - because nothing says 'community spirit' like fighting for a factory that makes cardboard.

International firm DS Smith is currently consulting with 167 employees at its Launceston site, which has been a major local employer for nearly 60 years - long enough for several generations to develop a deep, emotional attachment to paper products.

Janice Mason, a contractor at the site, said: 'We're just trying to highlight the impact of closing this factory.' Because apparently, the impact isn't obvious enough when you see 167 people suddenly updating their LinkedIn profiles.

DS Smith explained that the proposal followed 'a review of UK packaging operations' and was linked to 'tough trading conditions' as it looked to 'improve efficiency and respond to changing customer demand' - corporate speak for 'we're tightening the belt, and unfortunately, the belt is around the factory's neck.'

Mason noted that generations of local families had worked at the site and warned: 'It's going to be a huge loss to this town.' She's not wrong - when a factory that's been around since the Beatles were still together closes, it leaves a hole bigger than the one in your recycling bin.

A consultation meeting was held simultaneously with the demonstration, with Mason explaining it was 'between management workers and unions to see if there's anything that could be done to save the factory.' Because nothing says 'productive dialogue' like negotiating with a cardboard company while holding a sign.

Hayley Sanders, whose husband and father-in-law both work at the factory, said the protest aimed 'to raise awareness of how important the site is to the town and community' and 'the effect that it (closing) could have on families in the future.' In other words, they're hoping DS Smith remembers that paper isn't the only thing that gets crushed in a downturn.

A DS Smith spokesperson said: 'We are aware of today's peaceful demonstration related to our proposal and recognise the significance of the site to the wider community in Cornwall.' They added: 'Our ongoing focus is on supporting colleagues through our consultation process. However, we are unable to comment further until this has concluded.' Translation: 'We see you, we hear you, but we're not promising anything until the lawyers have had their say.'

In 2024, DS Smith made 70 roles redundant at its site in Louth in Lincolnshire. Meanwhile, consultations last year at its sites in Plymouth, Derbyshire, Newcastle, Sheerness, and Wellingborough resulted in a decision to close them, the firm confirmed. So if you're sensing a pattern, you're not alone - DS Smith appears to be playing a game of 'Factory Bingo' with the UK map.