Automation spells job cuts for Burger King supplier

The Wisbech-based company is planning to install a new automated packaging machine at its site – which currently employs around 82 permanent staff – as well as refrigeration equipment.

Keep pace with competitors​

Director Kevin Wiltshire told FoodManufacture.co.uk that Fountain Frozen needed to modernise to keep pace with industry competitors, particularly those based abroad in countries such as Spain and Holland.

He said that the changes will mean that up to 16 jobs may go at the site, although it was hoped that staff could be re-deployed or that reductions could be partly achieved through natural wastage.

Wiltshire said: “We can’t ignore the technology that is available; you have to move with the times.” ​

Automated machinery​

“However new automated machinery means less manual jobs, the new packing line can be operated by just one person for example. Unfortunately that does mean that jobs will be lost,”​ he added.

Fountain Frozen bought the Wisbech site from Kerry Foods three years ago and supplies clients including Burger King Tesco and Sainsury’s; the firm’s sister company, Fountain Foods, is based in nearby Upwell.