Sofina Foods Europe said it may cease production at its Marsden Road site in Grimsby from October 2023, as a result of changes in demand for products.

The proposal would mean moving its remaining whitefish processing undertaken at the Marsden Road site to the Humberstone Road site in Grimsby and its smoked processing to its Fraserburgh site in Scotland.

The manufacturer said it has taken this decision as “producing the remaining whitefish contracts at Marsden Road would no longer be financially sustainable.”

A spokesperson for Sofina Foods said: “We will work closely with our employees, and any other appropriate organisation, to ensure that there is meaningful consultation before any decisions are made.” The manufacturer also states that its Marsden Road colleagues will have “all the information and support they may need.”

The proposed site closure would potentially result in the loss of 285 roles from the Marsden Road site between September and October 2023.

Under the proposals, a number of new roles will be created at the Humberstone Road and Fraserburgh sites to support the transfer, and the company said it will do all it can to offer alternative opportunities across the group where possible to those affected.

Sofina Foods’ spokesperson said: “Today’s proposals to cease production at the Marsden Road site does not reflect on the committed and skilled teams who work there – they are a credit to the company.

“If the proposals go ahead, we will work hard to maintain the employment of all colleagues throughout this transition. Sofina Foods Europe has a long history of seafood production in Grimsby and whatever the outcome of the consultation we will continue to be a part of the community, given our other manufacturing sites within the town.”