Morrisons buys meat processing plant from Vion
The Winsford site is a centralised fresh pork and lamb retail packing plant. It also has the capacity to expand into beef products and increase total production, said the firm.
The acquisition will give Morrisons greater capacity as it continues to grow and greater control over the quality of the meat products sold in store, said a spokesman.
Martyn Fletcher, Morrisons group md, added: “Owning the manufacturing sites that produce our fresh food is crucial to Morrisons because it ensures we can control quality and keep down costs for our customers.
An ideal addition
“As Morrisons continues to grow, it is important we have the facilities to support us. This facility is a high-quality, purpose-built meat processing factory and will be an ideal addition to the fantastic manufacturing sites we already own.”
Morrisons is the UK’s second largest fresh food manufacturer, employing more than 7,000 people.
The firm owns bakeries, meat processing facilities and produce packing factories in addition to 476 stores nationwide.
More than 300 staff at Winsford will have their jobs secured as a result of the deal, with the potential for more new jobs as the business grows, said the firm.
Morrisons has pledged to invest £200M over the next three years to support the growth of its businesses. Last year, the firm acquired Derby-based FlowerWorld - a specialist cut flowers business.
Dutch-owned Vion is the UK’s second largest poultry meat supplier.
