UPDATE: UK: Unite to work "strenuously" to save Vion Welsh plant jobs
By Michelle Russell | 11 January 2013
 |
The lamb processing business on the Island of Anglesey employs around 350 staff |
Unite, the union representing workers at Vion's Welsh Country Foods facility, has said it will work "strenuously" on a business plan to save the 350 jobs at the site facing possible closure.
The Dutch food group Vion this morning (11 January) announced it may be forced to close the lamb processing business on the Island of Anglesey due to the loss of its contract with Asda. The troubled private-label pork producer that last month finalised an MBO deal for its UK arm, said Asda was a "key customer", accounting for around 50% of the site's business.
Unite described the announcement as "desperately sad".
"The news that Vion could shut its Welsh Country Foods site on Anglesey is a blow to those who work there, the local community and the economy of the island," said Unite Wales secretary Andy Richards.
"This is a sad start to 2013 for our members and we will be doing all we can to ensure both support and a viable future for Welsh workers at Welsh Country Foods. We need investment, not cuts to jobs in Wales and I will be raising this matter urgently with the Welsh Government."
Unite said it was urging Asda to "re-think" what the union said is a "misguided strategy" and to work with Vion to establish "a viable future for Welsh Country Foods and to save these jobs".
Vion employs around 8,000 staff across 30 facilities in the UK. The company, which put its UK business up for sale last month, has suffered from over-capacity in the meat sector. As a result, in October, it confirmed plans to close its Hall's of Broxburn processing facility having failed to find a "viable" buyer for the site.
Sectors: Meat & poultry
View next/previous articles
11 Jan 2013 -Currently reading -
UPDATE: UK: Unite to work "strenuously" to save Vion Welsh plant jobs
Related research
VION N.V. - SWOT Analysis company profile is the essential source for top-level company data and information. VION N.V. - SWOT Analysis examines the company’s key business structure and operations, history and products, and provides summary analysis ...
Asda Stores Limited (Foodservice): Foodservice - Company Profile & SWOT Report
Canadean's "Asda Stores Limited (Foodservice): Foodservice - Company Profile & SWOT Report" contains in depth information and data about the company and its operations. The profile contains a company overview, key facts, major products and services, ...
Asda | Verdict Company Briefing
A one-stop destination for unique data and opinion on Asda's food & grocery, clothing & footwear and electricals offer. We assess its performance, strategic direction and provide Verdict's view on its future....
Related articles
Comment: Pragmatic deal for Morrisons, Waitrose risk for Ocado
A deal with Ocado represents Morrisons best route into the UK online channel as it plays catch-up with rivals. For the online specialist, it looks a good deal, although it could threaten its agreement with another partner, Waitrose.
Editor's choice: the highlights on just-food this week
After UK organic baby food firm Ella's Kitchen was snapped up by a US buyer a fortnight ago, this week a peer across the pond revealed it agreed to sell to Danone, representing the Aptamil and Cow & Gate owner's move into the category.
Quote, unquote: just-food's week in words
The week ended on a high note for Morrisons this week after it announced a venture to launch into the online channel with Ocado. The deal has again fuelled speculation that the deal could upset Ocado's current arrangement with Waitrose. Other deals this week included the acquisition of US baby food firm Happy Family by Danone. just-food also spoke with founder of Amy's Kitchen, Amy Berliner about its growth plans.
There are currently no comments on this article
Be the first to comment on this article