Nestlé has announced plans to shut its factory in Fawdon, as the company moves production of its staples to mainland Europe.

The confectionary manufacturer confirmed plans to shut down its site near Newcastle at the end of 2023 at a cost of 475 jobs. The Fawdon factory has been producing confectionary since 1958.

According to GMB Union, the manufacture of Fruit Pastilles is to move to the Czech Republic and Toffee Crisps will be made in Poland. In a statement, Nestlé said that the majority of production currently in the north east of England would move to Halifax, West Yorkshire.

Talks ‘still ongoing’

A spokesperson from Nestlé said: “The consultation around the changes we proposed in April 2021 is still ongoing.

“We said from the outset that we wanted to provide adequate time and space for these discussions and it is only right that they are held directly with our employees and trade unions and not in public.

“It remains a priority to support our people and their families through this process and we thank everybody for their patience. We will provide an update once the consultation is complete.”

“A devastating impact”

Ross Murdoch, a GMB officer, said: “Closing this profit-making site and shifting production to Europe is completely unacceptable. This will have a devastating impact on workers and their families.”

He added: “Meanwhile transporting finished products from sites in Europe back to the UK – where they are consumed – will result in significant additional road and sea miles increasing pollution and environmental damage.”