CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Kimberly-Clark Corp. has closed its Venezuela operations in a move that the government claims is illegal.
The personal care manufacturer announced on Saturday that it was suspending production in the South American country because of lack of primary materials, currency trouble, and soaring inflation. Kimberly-Clark makes a number of items hard-to-find in Venezuela such as diapers and paper tissues.
Labor Minister Leninna Galindo said Kimberly-Clark failed to properly notify the government of its plans. Galindo said she would defend the rights of the 971 Kimberly-Clark workers affected by the pullout, but it was unclear what actions could be taken.
The company did not immediately respond Monday to Venezuela's complaint.
Kimberly-Clark joins Bridgestone, General Mills, Procter & Gamble and other corporations scaling back Venezuela operations amid an economic crisis here.