Proposals to close the facility followed the recent closure of Avara’s Abergavenny site, which saw 400 roles made redundant.
The manufacturer cited significant inflationary pressure in fuel, commodities and labour over the past two years as key drivers in their decision to close the site. While some price increases have been achieved, they have not been significant enough to the full impact of rosing costs to its margins.
Fewer, better invested sites
On further inspection, Avara identified that its existing chicken volumes and full product range could be processed more efficiently – and with lower capital investment – by focusing on fewer, better invested facilities.
“Critically, this will enable us to continue providing all our customers with the high levels of service, investment and innovation for which we are known,” said a spokesman for the company. “These factors have resulted in the proposal to close the Newent site.”
“This decision has not been taken quickly, but through long-term business planning focused on delivering a sustainable poultry model able to supply a significant percentage of UK poultry supply now and into the future. It is clearly no reflection on the hard-working colleagues at the Newent facility.”
Collective consultation
Avara said it will begin a collective consultation process with the individuals affected by the proposed closure. It claimed that the nature of consultation meant no final decision had been made and there would be no speculations as to how to process would conclude.
Meanwhile, in other factory closure news, Sofina Foods Europe has confirmed the closure of a Young’s Seafood factory in Grimsby, threatening the roles of nearly 300 people.
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.
