While Cromer crab will still be produced at the Norfolk coastal town, Young’s said it will transfer volume production from the North Norfolk site to its factories in Grimsby "as this is the most financially viable and sustainable option for shellfish processing for the long term”.
Pete Ward, chief operating officer of Young’s Seafood, said: “Shellfish processing remains important to our company, as we consolidate shellfish processing in Grimsby. Our priority is to continue to fulfil customer contracts, alongside ensuring that the employees affected by this announcement get the support they need by working closely with them, local agencies and other key stakeholders.”
The decision follows an eight-month consultation period and review of manufacturing operations at the site. Factors considered included short- and long-term costs, financial sustainability, quality and technical requirements, and the manufacturing capabilities.
The Cromer Crab Company is the largest private-sector employer in the North Norfolk coastal town and locals campaigned fiercely to keep the site open, winning support from the likes of Stephen Fry and Alan Titchmarsh. Thousands signed a petition to ‘Keep it Cromer’.
Councillor Tom FitzPatrick, portfolio member for business enterprise and economic development at North Norfolk District Council, said: “This is a bitter blow to Cromer. The committed and dedicated team at Cromer Crab have worked with Young’s Seafood to try and find a solution that would keep this facility open. The District Council will assist those who will lose their jobs, over the next couple of months, to seek new opportunities.”
Young’s Seafood said it remained committed to buying from local fishermen, while keeping Cromer crab processing local, and is continuing work to finalise the best local option for this. Ward, said: “We are today confirming that we will ensure that the Cromer Crab brand stays in its rightful home in Cromer, by working with local stakeholders on how we can give the Cromer community the right to use this brand name into the future.
FitzPatrick welcomed Young’s statement that the Cromer Crab name will remain in Cromer, “where it belongs”.
The expansion of production at Young’s Seafood's Humberstone Road and Mardsen Road factories in Grimsby will result in the sites taking on about 321 staff in addition to the 776 people who currently work there. Any employees facing redundancy, who wish to apply for these roles, will be prioritised when filling the vacancies.
“I particularly welcome Young’s commitment to working with relevant organisations which will be involved in retraining their former employees who have to leave the industry,” said FitzPatrick.
Young’s said it had achieved the most robust and sustainable manufacturing operating model for the long-term.
Leendert den Hollander, chief executive of Young’s Seafood, said: “We have made some tough choices about our manufacturing operations, as we have adjusted to the new reality in the macroeconomic environment and to achieve our long-term objectives. While we recognise the general economic environment remains challenging, we’re confident that we’re taking the necessary steps to put us on the right track for the future.”