More than 200 jobs set to be lost after factory closure

A proposal to close the Marsden Road facility was made in June 2023, with the Young’s owner Sofina now confirming that operations will cease in October this year.

The site employs 297 people, with a spokesperson for the Canadian giant’s European arm informing the BBC that “more than 200​” roles are expected to be lost.

Production currently conducted at the Marsden Road site will be moved to other Young’s factories at Humberstone Road, which is also in Grimsby, and Fraserburgh in Scotland. Sofina said that new jobs would be created at both sites.

No viable solution found

In a statement issued about the decision, a Sofina spokesperson said that it could not find a “viable​” solution that would allow for the Marsden Road factory to be saved.

"As a result, production at the Marsden Road site will be scaled back and then cease in late October 2023​,” the spokesperson continued.

"The remaining whitefish processing undertaken by Sofina Foods Europe will move to the Humberstone Road site in Grimsby and the smoked processing to our Fraserburgh site in Scotland.”​

At first it was expected that up to 280 roles could be at threat, although Sofina has not made a firm statement on that decision at this point.

The spokesperson added: "The closure has been necessary following changes in future demands for products produced at the site and we explored a number of options to maintain operations and to protect roles. Sadly, this has been unsuccessful.​

"Sofina Foods Europe has a long history of seafood production in Grimsby and through our continued operations in the town we will continue to be a significant employer and a committed part of the community​."

Founded in 1805, Young’s is primarily based in Grimsby but also has five facilities across Scotland.

In other news, Regal Food Products Group has completed the acquisition of food packaging manufacturer Packaging ‘R’ Us​​.