Still hope for Norfolk shellfish plant facing closure

Norman Lamb, LibDem MP for North Norfolk, said: “This is by no means a fait accompli. The company​ [Young’s Seafood] has genuinely not made its mind up yet. It has told me that a major customer has come forward and asked how it can help to keep the plant going.” ​

“There have also been ideas from the workforce about improving efficiency and discussion about new product development.”​

His comments followed news earlier this week that Young’s, owner of the Cromer Crab Company has entered a 90-day consultation period with workers at the plant.

Under the new proposals, which include closure next year, some of the firm’s shellfish processing would be moved from Cromer to the company’s larger-scale sites in Scotland and Grimsby.

Pete Ward, chief operating officer of Young’s Seafood, said: “For some time it has been clear that we are now facing a new reality in the economic environment that requires a new plan to ensure we continue to be a sustainable, long-term business.” ​

Struggling​

The Cromer site has been struggling with inflation, industry over capacity, new capacity coming into shellfish processing, aggressive competition, pressure on margins from promotions and customers and consumers who are looking for ever better value, he said.

Tam Muldoon, site leader at the Cromer site, added: “We will discuss possible options for the site with our Cromer team, their union representatives, others in the local community and our customers before any plans are finalised.”​

Unite the union said that hundreds of staff at the Cromer Crab Company have been left “devastated”​ by the news.

The union’s regional officer, Ivan Crane, said: “As the town’s biggest employer, this is a massive blow to the community and the surrounding district as alternative employment prospects in the area are minimal.​

“The success and growth of this company has been built around a product that is part of the heritage of Cromer. A committed and loyal workforce is now just being abandoned.”​

Rethink​

Crane said the union would urge management to rethink the move to ensure that the Cromer Crab Company remains in Cromer.

Robin Smith, head of economic development at North Norfolk Council, agreed that the loss of the iconic Cromer Crab brand would be a significant blow to the area. But he agreed with Lamb that there was “probably some negotiating to be done yet.”​

The Cromer facility processes prawns, crab, lobster and other shellfish for UK retailers’ own-label, chilled product ranges.

Young’s review followed the formation of Young’s Seafood Limited in February 2011. The move brought together Young’s, Findus UK and Ireland and the Seafood Company, including the Cromer Crab Company, as one, unified, business.

The firm employs around 3,200 people across 13 sites in the UK, with most based in Grimsby or Scotland.