The firm, owned by Allied Bakeries, blamed the potential closure on a “fiercely competitive market” and said that the announcement followed a “considered analysis” of the sector.
Staff at Patak’s naan bread factory in Cumbernauld, were informed of the proposals at 14.30 on Monday (October 31). A 90-day consultation period would begin immediately, they were told.
Martin Brewis, Patak’s Breads general manager, said: “While we are still open to alternatives to ending manufacture, the potential closure of the site has been a very difficult decision and not one we make lightly. We have done all we can to win additional volume for the site and secure the site's future. While we are lucky to have an extremely committed team at Cumbernauld, the market is tough.“
Difficult decision
The firm’s priority was to offer practical support to help our people secure alternative employment - both within our parent company and externally throughout the local area, Brewis added.
Meanwhile, last month it was announced that more than 100 jobs were at risk at another Allied Bakeries’ site in Gateshead after the firm confirmed plans to end production in February.
In March of this year, the firm said it planned to close production on one bakery line and review the viability of its bakery operation in Gateshead.
A consultation is currently in process about 119 affected staff at the site which employs 263 people.
Consultation
Speaking last month, Pat Love, general manager, Allied Bakeries Northern Region said: ““The potential closure of manufacturing at Gateshead has been an extremely tough decision and in no way reflects the commitment and efforts of all those who are currently working there.
“Our announcement is in response to the highly competitive nature of the market we operate in, the level of investment needed to bring the site to an acceptable standard, the need to strengthen our overall capabilities and our ability to respond to change in the future.”
Allied’s focus was now working with those who are likely to be affected by the company’s proposal, he added.