KP Snacks has set out plans to shut a Tyrrells factory in central England after falling demand hit sales of vegetable snacks.
The UK company, owned by Germany’s Intersnack, said the proposed closure of the site in Uttoxeter, follows “a sustained decline in demand and the loss of key export volumes”.
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Tyrrells vegetable crisps are primarily made from a blend of root vegetables such as parsnips, beetroot and carrots.
KP Snacks has not disclosed how many people are employed at the site but said “we are supporting them throughout the consultation process”.
It added: “Should the proposal progress, we will explore any ways to reduce or avoid redundancies where possible.”
KP Snacks said the proposal relates only to the vegetable-crisps range, saying Tyrrells potato crisps are “not affected and continue to perform strongly”.
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By GlobalDataThe company operates seven manufacturing sites in the UK. Its brands also include Skips and Butterkist.
Intersnack acquired the Herefordshire-based snack brand Tyrrells from Hershey in 2018.
Elsewhere, KP Snacks has been in disagreement with staff at its Billingham factory in Teesside in north-east England.
Last month, trade union GMB said dozens of members at the site backed a walkout after the company “imposed” additional duties without a pay increase or “proper” consultation.
Paul Clark, a GMB organiser, said at the time that “action short of a strike” began on 9 February, including steps to slow production and an overtime ban in the department.
The Billingham plant produces crisps and snacks for brands including Hula Hoops, McCoy’s, Pom-Bears and Discos.
Workers there also voted in December in favour of strike action, although GMB said no formal action had been taken following that ballot.
Clark told Just Food today the union was due to meet with KP Snacks representatives, “which could be the deciding factor as to which way we move”.
KP Snacks declined to comment.
