French pork giant Gad, which is in administration, has played down reports it plans to close an abbatoir in Brittany in August.
Speaking on French TV, Jean-Marc Puchois, mayor of Lampaul-Guimiliau, where the site is located, said information he had received over recent weeks from “confidential sources” pointed to the closure of the abattoir and with it the jobs of 850 staff.
At the end of February, Gad was placed under judicial administration for a period of six months, the company having filed for bankruptcy.
However, Gad said: “Any decision at this stage is premature as possible bidders [for the plant] have until 10 June to express their interest.
“Market conditions are difficult in the sector but the judicial administrators and management are working round the clock to find a solution which will allow the company to continue in business.”
