Zotefoams, a UK-based foam products manufacturer headquartered in Croydon, is facing significant union pressure after campaign group GMB alleged that the company is planning to transfer its footwear manufacturing operations to South East Asia — a move that would result in the elimination of approximately 100 jobs.
The allegations have drawn considerable attention, particularly given the company’s recent financial performance. Zotefoams recorded revenue of £158.5 million in its latest set of financial results, representing a 7% increase year on year. The company also reported a 34% rise in profits during the same period, figures that the GMB union says make the proposed Zotefoams job cuts all the more difficult to justify.
A Company With Deep Roots in Croydon
Zotefoams has maintained a presence in Croydon for more than 90 years, making it one of the area’s longest-standing manufacturers. The prospect of footwear manufacturing being relocated to Vietnam has alarmed union officials and raised broader questions about the future of domestic manufacturing employment in the UK.
Helen O’Connor, GMB Membership Development Officer, was direct in her assessment of the situation. “Zotefoams is not a failing company. They increased profits last year by 34 per cent. Despite this, they are abandoning the workers in Croydon who are responsible for this success.”
O’Connor went on to highlight the nature of the roles being placed at risk. “These are high-quality manufacturing jobs — the type the country is crying out for. Some people have worked there for many years, yet the employer is making them redundant with the bare minimum redundancy package.”
GMB Calls for Government Intervention
The GMB union is not limiting its response to statements alone. O’Connor confirmed that the union is actively calling on both government officials and local politicians to intervene. “GMB calls on the business to rethink their plans and keep the jobs in Croydon. We will demand the government and local politicians step in to stop these job losses,” she said.
The workers now face the threat of redundancy as production is set to move to Vietnam, according to GMB’s account of the situation. The union’s position is clear — that a profitable company choosing to offshore manufacturing while offering minimal redundancy terms is unacceptable, particularly at a time when quality manufacturing roles are considered vital to the UK economy.
The Zotefoams job cuts, if they proceed as alleged, would mark a notable shift for a business that has been part of the Croydon industrial landscape for nearly a century. With the company’s revenue climbing to £158.5 million and profits on the rise, the GMB’s call for a rethink is likely to intensify in the weeks ahead. Zotefoams has yet to make any public statement on the matter.
