Increased demand for cleansing products has brought a reprieve for Unilever’s closure-threatened Warrington factory.

On March 10 the Anglo-Dutch conglomerate announced that it intended to close the BankQuay site, which makes Persil and Surf washing powders, after a strategic review.

The Crosfield plant, which opened more than 130 years ago and employs 123 staff, was earmarked for closure before the end of this year, although no firm date had been announced.

However, a rise in demand for cleansing products due to the current coronavirus pandemic has seen growth in the sector surge and recently the Warrington site has even taken on 15 extra personnel.

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