Wessex Foods: staff made redundant at fire-hit site

A devastating fire in July completely destroyed the factory, which processed mince and burgers for retailers and wholesalers (including Burger King), and the firm had retained staff on full-pay in the hope of finding an alternative facility.

But a company spokesman said that a 90-day consultation process with staff was due to end on October 29, after which redundancy notices would be issued.

He said: “Vigorous efforts have been made to find a solution that would have allowed the company to continue temporary large scale production in the area, but this has not proved possible.​

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Short-term opportunities​

“[Staff] have been made aware of other openings in the Anglo Beef Processors Group. Additionally, a number of opportunities exist at the former Brooks of Norwich site where a minimal production has been taking place and is scheduled to continue in the short term.​

“A Wessex Foods office will be maintained in Lowestoft and a number of key personnel will continue working there to support the Wessex Foods business currently spread throughout the group.​

“It is with considerable regret that our production at Lowestoft has possibly come to an end," ​the spokesman added. "The plant was a leading producer of burgers and other meat products in the UK supplying leading retailers and food service companies.​

“We would like to thank our skilled workforce for their service in the past and wish them well. We are grateful for the support we have received from the local authorities.”​

Massive blaze​

Over 100 fire-fighters and two air support units worked throughout the night on July 11 to contain the blaze at Wessex Foods' site, which at one point threatened a nearby supermarket with an attached petrol station and other retail units.

In the aftermath contractors cleared 700 tonnes of burnt meat from the factory, while fire crews worked to ensure that contaminated water did not get into the local water course.

Wessex Foods’ website claims that the company produces 60% of the UK’s frozen retail mince and 16,500 tonnes of frozen burgers annually. The firm is part of Irish Food Processors group (IFP), a leading European meat processor with a turnover in excess of €1bn.