A HUGE cereal factory which produces some of the UK’s favourite breakfast brands is on the brink of being shut down.
The shock closure of the factory, which manufactures Cheerios, Shreddies and a number of supermarket private labels, is set to leave 314 jobs at risk.
The shock closure of the factory, which manufactures Cheerios, Shreddies and a number of supermarket private labels, is set to leave 314 jobs at risk[/caption]
Cereal Partners United Kingdom & Ireland is now consulting with their hundreds of colleagues over plans to close its Bromborough, Merseyside site[/caption]
Cereal Partners United Kingdom & Ireland (CPUK&I) is now consulting with their hundreds of colleagues over plans to close its Bromborough, Merseyside site.
They say it is due to a “significant decline” in breakfast cereal sales.
The proposed closure would see production of Cheerios moved to Staverton in Wiltshire which is due to see a big £74m investment in the future.
The factory’s expansion will create around 60 new roles.
CPUK&I is also going to stop making cereal for supermarket brands at the end of its current contracts.
Speaking on the Bromborough closure, a spokeswoman for the cereal manufacturer said: “Both CPUK&I factories are currently below capacity.
“These proposals would adjust CPUK&I’s manufacturing footprint to better match demand and simplify our portfolio to focus investment on our branded cereals.
“Sales of breakfast cereal are in significant decline owing to the changing habits of UK and Irish consumers and greater competition from alternative breakfast options.
“CPUK&I regrets the potential impact on employees and the immediate priority is to work together to review the proposals while supporting people through this process with care and sensitivity.”
The spokeswoman added that the company is “open to alternative solutions” – including the sale of the Bromborough site altogether.
The move has come as a shock to many with the GMB union saying the Bromborough factory was still profitable.
Axing production will also leave the over 300 workers facing an “uncertain future” due to the “simply unacceptable” move.
GMB regional organiser Matt Denton described it as “a deeply worrying time for GMB members and their families”.
He added: “For three decades, CPUK has been at the heart of this community, providing good jobs and supporting countless businesses.
“GMB will fight to protect jobs, secure fair treatment for workers and explore all potential options to mitigate the impact of this closure.”
CPUK&I said it will not be making any further comments on the proposals as they continue to speak with staff.
It follows the announcement of a closure of another factory belonging to cereal kings Kellogg’s last year.
After 86 years in operation the Kellogg’s factory in Trafford Park, Greater Manchester is set to shut for good in 2026.
Kellanova, which runs the cereal giant, made the announcement after three months of talks with union and employee representatives.
It is set to mean the loss of 360 jobs.
Kellanova announced the closure by citing its age and a “large amount of redundant space”.
About one million boxes of cereals including Corn Flakes, Rice Krispies, and Coco Pops are made in the factory every day.
After 86 years in operation the Kellogg’s factory in Trafford Park, Greater Manchester is also set to shut for good in 2026[/caption]
