Storck confirms Bendicks Winchester closure

The German firm blamed the transfer on a decline in the mint chocolate market, and md Thomas Huber said: ‘​This difficult decision has been driven by commercial reality. ​

"Despite our best efforts to re-launch the Bendicks brand and diversify into new flavours and categories, we have not been able to drive the critical mass to support an independent manufacturing plant for Bendicks products only in the UK’.​

Confirmation of the closure follows the conclusion of a 30-day consultation, and Huber said: ‘We have conducted a total review of the Bendicks business to identify a plan that will be profitable and sustainable. This is possible, but manufacturing efficiencies are key to the success of the business and the brand presence of Bendicks in the UK. ​

“Therefore a consolidation of our plants is the only viable option. Bendicks will continue to be produced using the same techniques and great tasting recipe that consumers have enjoyed for many years.”​

Safeguard peak demand ​

Storck said that employees affected would continue to be employed at the Winchester plant “until the end of July at least”​, with the consolidation of production in East Germany determined by the need to safeguard peak demand during Christmas.

The company said affected staff would receive enhanced severance pay, training and assistance in the identification of new roles.

30 staff will stay on in Winchester to support marketing and sales for the Bendicks and Storck brands in the UK.

Winchester MP Steve Brine, who has pressed Storck to reconsider its closure plans, said: "Clearly this is not at all a surprise following the figures Stork management shared with me and the minister ​[small business minister Mark Prisk] last month but it's a cruel blow nonetheless for the workforce who have given so much to this company over many years.​

"My focus now will be to do everything possible to support those constituents who are losing their jobs and I will certainly be taking the minister up on his offer to give support from the Department ​[of Business, Innovation & Skills]."​

"I am really sad Bendicks can't make this plant work but it's important we all work with them positively going forward to keep the Storck head office jobs in Winchester for the long term."​

Storck - whose brands include Werther's Original and Riesen and Dickmann's in Germany - acquired Royal Warrant holder Bendicks in 1988.