Valeo Foods plans to shut down its UK confectionery facility located in Pontefract, West Yorkshire.
In a recent statement, the company informed its staff about the decision to relocate production from this site to alternative locations. Operations will gradually wind down over the next year.
This decision comes after what the company termed “a strategic transformation review” of its confectionery operations. The aim is to enhance the performance of the confectionery business.
Valeo confirmed that 134 positions are at risk of redundancy out of the 196 employees currently at the site.
The Pontefract facility produces various products under the Barratt brand, including Anglo Bubbly bubblegum, liquorice, sherbet, gummies, and other confectionery items.
According to the company’s statement, “The initiative is designed to strengthen Valeo’s position as a leading private label confectionery supplier, improve operational efficiency, and support the continued growth of its portfolio of market-leading brands.”
Valeo’s UK business CEO Kevin Moore commented on the decision: “This is not a decision we have taken lightly, and we fully recognize the impact it will have on our team and the wider community in Pontefract.”
“Every possible option to continue manufacturing at the site was carefully reviewed. However, the level of investment needed to make the site competitive and sustainable long-term was found to be unviable, particularly given its proximity to other Valeo facilities in the UK.”
The transfer of manufacturing to other Valeo locations, alongside the relocation of office-based employees, will occur under a phased closure plan over the next few months.
Moore added: “Collective consultation with employees and their representatives has now concluded, and we will continue discussions on an individual basis regarding relocation, redundancy, and outplacement support.”
According to Valeo’s UK website, the company manages ten manufacturing plants across the country.
