The family-run business has struggled to reverse the fortunes of the company during difficult trading conditions, it said.
The Manchester-based business is currently negotiating with various other companies in an attempt to secure the future of the 106-year-old company, its boss Andrew Simpson told FoodManufacture.co.uk.
“We are going through a period of consultation prior to considering the future of the business,” he said.
Selling parts of the business
“We are talking to a number of interested parties about selling parts of the business off. I can’t comment more until negotiations are complete.”
Simpson said he was unable to specify exactly what the business could look like or what implications there would be for employees, but remained confident of a future for the business.
“I’m positive that an outcome will be reached, I can’t say how that will affect employees. I’m confident it will have a future but I’m not able to say what that might look like.”
Potential options for Simpsons Ready Foods include moving production to a buyer’s site or closing the business.
Founded in 1910
The firm was founded in 1910 by William Simpson and is led by third-generation family members Andrew and William.
Simpsons - at a glance
- Founded in 1910
- Manufactures ready meals and puddings
- Packages products for major retailers
It started off making Christmas puddings, lemon curd, mincemeat, jelly crystals and temperance wines.
In later years, it started to manufacture sponge puddings, ready meals such as curries, stews and casseroles and its Goblin brand steak and kidney and meat and gravy puddings – as well as Goblin hot pot and stews.
It also manufactures and packages products for retailers such: as Asda, Morrisons, Sainsbury and Marks & Spencer.
The company launched an innovative range of foods in flexible plastic pouches in 2003. Plastic pots and tubes soon followed.