Kellanova has proposed the closure of its Trafford Park factory in three years’ time, with the potential for 360 jobs to be lost as a result.
The company, which owns Kellogg’s and Pringles, cited the age of the almost 90-year-old facility, together with the large amount of redundant space in its buildings, as reasons for considering a closure.
Kellanova has said that while it is reviewing its Trafford Park factory, Greater Manchester will remain its British home, and a total of 520 Kellanova jobs will remain in Greater Manchester.
UK managing director of Kellanova, Chris Silcock, said: “We know generations of families have worked at our Trafford Park site, and the proposal we are announcing today has nothing to do with the dedication of the outstanding people who work there.
“However, we can’t escape the fact the site opened in 1938. It’s laid out in a way that made sense in the 1930s, with food travelling up and down six floors to be made. With changes in industrial design and technology, you just wouldn’t lay out a factory like that nowadays.
“What’s more we only use half the space in the buildings and the investment required to maintain the factory in the coming years is simply not viable. That’s why we can’t currently see a long-term future for our Trafford Park factory.
Silcock concluded: “We know this will be difficult for many to hear and that’s why we now want to focus on our people. We will take the necessary time to discuss our proposals with our people and their representatives and show them how we will support them in the right way should this change happen.”
