Former owner 2 Sisters Food Group launched a consultation into the future of the biscuit factory in September last year, where it described the business as significantly loss making – a situation it was unable to reverse due to fierce competitive pressure and cost inflation.
Elkes will now join the pantheon of other household names under BPO’s belt, including Bernard Matthews, Carluccios, Giraffe and Ed’s Easy Diner.
End of uncertainty
The corporate statement from Elkes about the sale read: “This sale ends a period of uncertainty for the site after the consultation with colleagues at the end of last year about a proposed closure of the factory.
“We were always clear that we were looking to find a purchaser of the business as an alternative to closure, so it is very satisfying to successfully complete this transaction. This is good news for the business and the town, securing the immediate future of the site and keeping alive the 100-year biscuit-making heritage in Uttoxeter.”
Uttoxeter site director Kevin Hand said the sale to BPO had opened a new chapter for the business and had given it the best possible chance to develop and grow.
Support in the community
“What became apparent last year when there was so much uncertainty about the future of the factory was just how much the local community loved and cared for Elkes Biscuits,” hand added. “Many generations of families have either worked here or still work here, and it clearly means so much to so many people.
“So, to be able to announce this great news and save this site and the hundreds of jobs that go with it will hopefully bring a smile to many people’s faces. But the hard work starts now: we want to build a long-term sustainable business here and bring through more generations of people.”
2 Sisters is the trading name for Boparan Holdings Limited (BHL) and BHL is the ultimately parent company for 2 Sisters. The BPO is entirely separate to BHL and is completely independently run.
Meanwhile, in other acquisition news, nutrition and ingredients firm Kerry has acquired biotechnology firms c-LEcta and Emmex in a bid to expand its technology portfolio and manufacturing capabilities across fermentation and developing enzymes for use in the production of food and drink.
