British Sugar Considers Cantley Factory Closure, Over 100 Jobs at Risk
The company cites external pressures including low European sugar prices and high energy costs as reasons for the potential shutdown.
British Sugar is proposing to close its Cantley factory in Norfolk, a move that could put more than 100 jobs at risk. The company, which operates four sugar factories in the UK, announced that a consultation would be held regarding the proposals.
If approved, the closure would lead to the concentration of British Sugar's beet processing operations at its factories in Wissington, west Norfolk; Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk; and Newark, Nottinghamshire. The Cantley factory, located on the Norfolk Broads, is the United Kingdom's first sugar factory.
Keith Packer, managing director at British Sugar, stated that the proposal was not made lightly and followed a thorough review of the business. He attributed the decision to a combination of external pressures, including low average European sugar prices, high energy costs, and a long-term, market-wide decline in volumes. "This proposal has not been taken lightly," Packer said. "It follows a thorough review of the business and reflects a combination of external pressures, including low average European sugar prices, high energy costs and a market-wide, long-term gradual decline in volumes over time."
British Sugar indicated that all employees at the Cantley site could be affected by the potential closure. Discussions are set to begin with Unite, the recognized workers' union, and other employee representatives regarding the future of the workforce.