TOOTHPASTE maker Colgate-Palmolive is cutting 4,400 jobs and closing a third of its 78 factories around the world.
The group, which makes products including Colgate toothpaste and Ajax detergent, said the move would boost profits by generating annual savings of up to £154.1m after four years.
It is not known whether the job cuts will affect the 670 UK staff employed by Colgate at its Guildford head office and its factory in Salford, near Manchester.
Colgate plans to reduce its global workforce of 37,000 by about 12 per cent as part of a four-year restructuring plan.
The move will result in charges against earnings after tax of £283m over the four years.
News of the restructuring came as Colgate chairman Reuben Mark announced that sales worldwide were excellent.
Colgate sells products in 223 countries. Other brands include Palmolive dishwashing liquid, Irish Spring soap and Hill's Science Diet pet foods.
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