Adams Foods is planning to transfer its Wincanton operations to Leek in Staffordshire. Although 50 jobs would be created in the process, there could be up to 130 redundancies in Somerset.
Adams said a consultation with staff was now under way and “it would be inappropriate to comment further until the consultation period has been completed”.
Chief executive Ian Toal broke the news to Wincanton employees this week.
Consultation
“We recognise the role of Adams Foods in the local area and the significant contribution of our employees at Wincanton and this will be considered as part of our consultation,” he said.
“If the outcome of the review results in the closure of the Wincanton facility, we will seek to maximise opportunities for redeployment.
“We have spoken to employees and we are fully committed to maintaining open dialogue with them until this review has been concluded.”
Adams said there was available capacity at its site in Leek, which opened in 2009 following a £27M investment. It has described the facility as “the most efficient and environmentally advanced plant in the EU”.
The news of the Adams plans has been met with dismay within Wincanton. Council officials are offering support and guidance to those affected by the proposals and also hoping to attract a buyer for the Adams site if the closure goes ahead.
One local source told FoodManufacture.co.uk: “People were expecting this to a certain extent but they were hoping for the best. It’s dreadful news.”
Disruption
Following the fire, Adams said it expected disruption to its operations on the site to be minimal.
The Wincanton unit was built in 1989 by North Downs Dairy to cope with increased business, four years after the launch of its Pilgrims Choice brand.
Adams Foods was launched in October 2010 following the merger between Kerrygold and North Downs Dairy.
The firm claims to be the UK’s leading producer of pre-packed hard cheese, supplying over 30% of the total market.