Robinson Reviews Relevance of Toronto North American Operations

Robinson Plc is reviewing the “strategic importance and viability” of its Toronto-based North American operations after revenues there dropped 49 percent in 2009 because cosmetics industry customers held stock from 2008, Packaging News reports.

Meanwhile, the Chesterfield, England-based group’s eastern European business saw sales increase 41 percent in local currency terms thanks to new business there and work transferred from its U.K. operations to its factory in Lodz, Poland, which opened in 2006. Chairman Richard Clothier says Robinson expects the Central European business to show more growth in 2010.

Overall, Robinson’s income fell 9 percent. The company cited the decline on customer destocking in the second quarter of 2009.

Robinson’s customers include Procter & Gamble Co., Nestlé S.A., Kraft Foods Inc., and Unilever NV and PLC.