Poultry processor Bernard Matthews has confirmed that it plans to cut up to 160 jobs at its frozen whole bird business as it looks to improve profitability at the unit.
The UK group said toda that it has started a consultation process at its frozen whole bird production facility in Great Witchingham, Norfolk.
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Production will be relocated to more modern facilities in Holton, Suffolk, the group revealed.
A spokesperson for the group told just-food that the company must improve efficiency in order for the business to become “sufficiently profitable” and “sustainable”.
“Rather than exit the frozen bird market we have carried out a detailed review of the operation and have developed a plan that ensures this part of the business returns to profitability,” Jeff Halliwell, Bernard Matthews UK managing director, said.
The move follows a review of the company’s operations and comes half-way through a four-year strategy aimed at returning the company to growth.
Bernard Matthews has seen its brand value eroded in the wake of a 2007 bird flu outbreak at one of its poultry facilities.
In 2008, the company reported operating profit of just GBP875,000 despite sales of GBP335.5m.
In January, the Golden Drummers maker announced that it also plans to cut 130 jobs at its Norfolk turkey farm.
