More than 300 jobs at risk as Cheerios factory in announces closure plans

A factory that makes Cheerios and other popular cereals could close putting 300 jobs at risk.

Cereal Partners UK (CPUK) in Bromborough, which manufactures products for Nestle and other brands, confirmed it is considering changes that would “regrettably” put 314 roles at risk of redundancy.

The factory, which makes cereals such as Cheerios, rice crispies and cornflakes for all major supermarkets, has operated for more than 30 years.

CPUK said the proposed changes to manufacturing would involve a £74m investment at at its Staverton factory in Northamptonshire.

Trade union the GMB said the company is planning to close the site and move production to its site in Northamptonshire despite “being profitable”.

CPUK said both factories are currently below capacity, and the plans would better match demand as well as allow the company to focus investment on 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,” it said.

Matt Denton, GMB regional organiser, said the possibility of closure is “deeply worrying” for members and their families.

“For three decades, CPUK has been at the heart of this community, providing good jobs and supporting countless businesses,” he said.

Mr Denton added it was “unacceptable” that 300 skilled workers are facing an uncertain future.

“GMB will fight to protect jobs, secure fair treatment for workers and explore all potential options to mitigate the impact of this closure,” he said.

The union is demanding urgent talks with management.

“We demand urgent talks with management and call on the company to engage with us to make sure workers’ voices are heard, and livelihoods are prioritised,” Mr Denton said.

A spokesperson for CPUK said: “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.

“CPUK&I remains open to alternative solutions, including a potential sale of the Bromborough site and/or the supermarket branded cereal manufacturing itself.”

They added: “It is important that discussions with employees and their representatives are carried out in a private and respectful way and our people are the first to hear of any future developments. There will be no further communication on these proposals until those discussions are complete.”