The recent sale of Nestlé’s confectionery facility in Fawdon, UK has been confirmed, just weeks before it was scheduled to close. The local bakery business, Country Style Foods, has acquired the premises, creating uncertainty for the 475 Nestlé employees at the site.
Nestlé’s spokesperson stated, “We have been carefully exploring options for the future of Fawdon factory since we announced its planned closure…We are pleased to have exchanged contracts with an established local business to purchase the factory. The sale relates to the premises only and the business has not been transferred.”
Following the announcement of the sale, local councillors, who are part of the taskforce set up after the factory closure was announced last year, confirmed the deal. The fate of the employees remains uncertain, with no comment yet from Country Style Foods.
The facility, a former Rowntree plant with a history dating back to 1958, is known for manufacturing popular chocolate brands such as Rolo, Toffee Crisp, and Munchies, as well as sugar confectionery under the brands Fruit Pastilles, Fruit Gums, and Jelly Tots.
Speculation has arisen in local newspaper reports regarding the potential employment of Nestlé workers by Country Style Foods, who are expected to meet with the employees in the coming weeks to discuss options. The bakery firm, headquartered in Leeds, has numerous production sites in the north of England, supplying supermarket in-store bakeries and the foodservice channel with bread, cakes, and other baked goods.
The company’s decision to sell the factory demonstrates its commitment to optimizing its operations for the future. The sale to Country Style Foods opens up new possibilities for the long-established local business, presenting potential benefits for both companies.
