The decision to keep Site E open followed a “meaningful consultation” by the manufacturer and would see the factory transition to a seven-day working operation. 2 Sisters said it would utilise the site to develop a new customer base over the next few months.
A spokesman added: “Colleagues at site have shown that they have both the skills and levels of commitment necessary to make this new venture successful and we would like to thank them for their patience and positive attitude demonstrated throughout an uncertain period.
Securing jobs
“We would also wish to acknowledge the efforts of Unite in working in partnership with the company to secure jobs at Site E.”
Commenting on the plans to keep the site open, Unite national officer for the food sector Joe Clarke said: “The Wolverhampton site of 2 Sisters has now been secured due to cooperative dialogue between Unite and the management.
“We are pleased to announce that about 180 jobs – the total workforce – have been secured for the foreseeable future. Constructive engagement has led to increased flexibility and also the introduction of new products has provided a lifeline. We looked forward to a positive relationship with 2 Sisters going forward.”
The site was initially scheduled for closure in February this year, along with two other 2 Sisters factories in Smethwick and Cambuslang in Scotland. The closures would have resulted in the loss of 900 jobs.
At the time, 2 Sisters said it was simplifying its operations and investing in areas where it could make the “most positive” difference.
New roles
It said it would also create new jobs at other poultry sites, with a total of 300 new roles across its factories in Willand, Coupar Angus, Llangefni and Scunthorpe. There was also the potential to create 400 new roles at its West Bromwich site.
Meanwhile, last month, 2 Sisters revealed it had pumped £5m into its Coupar Angus chicken processing plant near Perth in Scotland, resulting in the creation of more than 250 jobs.
The development would double the cutting capacity in its portions department and fit its aims to make supply chains shorter and more efficient, according to the company.