The future of the 27-acre Trafford Park site was put into question in February 2024 when Kellanova first proposed its closure, and that decision has now been confirmed following formal talks with trade unions and employee representatives.
The closure will lead to the loss of around 360 roles, with an agreement having been reached on an enhanced redundancy package and that redeployment will be offered to all colleagues who want it and where it can be accommodated.
Kellanova has cited the age of the factory, which has been operational for almost 90 years, and the amount of unused space in the building as the reasons for its closure.
Further information about where production will be moved to will be shared later in the year.
Reflecting on the decision, Kellanova UK managing director, Chris Silcock, said: “We want to acknowledge the professionalism of all colleagues at the factory during what we know have been some difficult discussions.
“When we announced our proposal earlier this year, we said it had nothing to do with the outstanding people who work at our factory. And, how everyone has chosen to conduct themselves over the last months has really brought this to life for us.
“However, we remain clear there isn’t a long-term future for the site. It’s laid out in a way that made sense in the 1930s, with food travelling up and down six floors in a legacy manufacturing process. What’s more, we only use half the space in the buildings and the investment required to maintain the factory in the coming years is simply not viable.
“We understand confirmation of something significant like a factory closure is never easy to hear and we will try to make it as smooth as possible. That means we’ll work with partners on things like outplacement support for our employees and, for the community, we will start to explore the long-term future of the site.”
In other news, Guinness owner Diageo has announced plans to invest more than €100m to decarbonise its St James’s Gate site in Dublin.
