The lost contract for filled rolls and sushi is set to move to a new supplier in March 2017, although 2 Sisters said it would be exploring new opportunities for its chilled business.
A spokesman for the manufacturer told FoodManufacture.co.uk: “We can confirm our contract making filled rolls and sushi will move to another supplier in March 2017.
“This will now give the business time to explore new chilled business opportunities.
“We can also confirm we have secured a new five-year bakery contract at Gunstones which mitigates our chilled contract loss.”
Flatbreads and sushi
In 2013 the bakery recruited almost 200 people in the space of two months, driven by high demand by supermarkets. It said this was due to shoppers switching to more fashionable lines such as flatbreads and sushi.
At this time the site employed more than 1,400 people. It was purchased by 2 Sisters from former owner Northern Foods in April 2011.
In June 2015 hundreds of workers at the Gunstones Bakery took part in a 48h strike over pay. The move came after the firm decided to impose a pay freeze, claimed the Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union (BFAWU). Up to 550 workers vented their anger at the refusal to renegotiate pay at the factory, the union said. Gunstones Bakery said at the time it was keen to continue meaningful talks.
Pennine Foods Factory
2 Sisters is currently in dispute at two of its other plants. Members of the BFAWU conducted a 48h walk-out on Sunday, June 5 at its Pennine Foods factory over plans to change their employment contracts. The union boss Ronnie Draper said that a week-long strike was planned to begin at the factory from Thursday, June 16.
BFAWU members at RF Brookes factory in Rogerstone, Newport conducted a 48h strike from 5am on June 2 to Saturday June 4 over changes in working conditions. The union is currently in talks with the company and the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service at the factory in Rogerstone.