McCain Foods to close UK factory, 115 jobs at risk

Posted by author July 26, 2024 Jobs

Credit: OleksandrShnuryk / Shutterstock.com

Canada’s McCain Foods has conducted a review of its UK business and is proposing the closure of a fries factory.

The company revealed it is looking to cease production of Fries To Go, a line of microwave fries outside of the McCain core range.

The Fries to Go product range is solely manufactured at the McCain facility in Grantham, Lincolnshire, and is the only product made at the site.

If McCain were to close the facility, 115 employees would be affected.

The French fries giant said it conducted a strategic review of its operations and product portfolio in order to “ensure that McCain remains a sustainable, efficient and customer-focused business”.

The review follows a “recent £215m ($276m) investment” into its UK manufacturing facilities, it added.

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Jillian Moffatt, regional president at McCain Foods’ Great Britain and Ireland business, said: “McCain has operated in Grantham for over 40 years and we are grateful for the significant contribution and commitment of the site team throughout that time.

“This proposal has been a difficult decision and we are committed to ensuring a thorough and considered consultation period. It is our priority to ensure that every colleague is given our full support during this process.”

McCain acquired Irish plant-based frozen-food company Strong Roots earlier this year for an undisclosed fee.

The deal built on a move announced in 2021 that saw McCain buy a minority stake in the business.

Announcing it has now bought the business outright, McCain said Strong Roots will operate as a distinct business unit.

More recently, the French fries maker announced it would invest more than €350m ($378m) in France to develop production facilities and strengthen its competitiveness there.