There will be a phased transfer of production from Norwich, beginning in the autumn until the end of 2019, during which the manufacturing of the majority of products will move to the Unilever factory in Burton upon Trent.
Up to 40 roles will be transferred to Unilever’s Burton site, with a further 25 jobs being created at a new milling facility near Norwich. All other roles are at risk of redundancy.
Affected employees are to be offered a package of support, including the opportunity to move to other roles within the business and providing services to help people find new employment.
Supporting staff
In a statement, Unilever’s vice-president of supply chain Jon Strachan said: “We appreciate this is very difficult news for our employees and their families, and we would like to thank everyone for their commitment and contribution to our business over many years in Norwich.
“The proposals we are now moving forward with represent the best long-term solution for Colman’s production in the UK, whilst preserving the historic link with Norwich.”
Unilever has entered the second phase of its consultation process, which included looking at how the closure would be implemented and how it could mitigate the effect on employees.
Consultation process
In January the company announced proposals to close the Colman’s factory at the end of 2019, following Britvic’s decision to close its Norwich factory on the shared site.
The proposal would see production of the Britvic’s Robinsons and Fruit Shoot drinks moved to its manufacturing sites in East London, Leeds and Rugby and put 242 jobs at risk.
Meanwhile, up to 400 jobs are also hanging in the balance at Grimsby-based fish processor Five Star Fish, after owner 2 Sisters Food Group revealed plans to enter into consultation with colleagues and customers at the “loss-making site”.