Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Birmingham Post
Birmingham Post
Business
Jon Robinson

Chocolate maker Barry Callebaut reveals plans to close major site putting jobs at risk

Chocolate maker Barry Callebaut has put jobs at risk after announcing plans to close its site in Moreton.

The Swiss giant has there had been a significant decrease in customer requirements and volume at the Wirral factory.

It added that due to equipment and operational restrictions, the site can no longer meet the costs needed to 'ensure the correct economies of scale'.

READ MORE: Watch - Look inside historic Martins Bank building ahead of major renovation work starting this summer

The group added that its decision will make sure it can operate profitably.

There are 45 permanent employees and 19 agency workers currently at Moreton.

A spokesperson for Barry Callebaut said: "As part of Barry Callebaut’s strategy to continuously improve its operational efficiency and to better balance production capacity and demand in the UK, the group has started a consultation process on the potential closure of its chocolate factory in Moreton.

"This is not a course of action that has been taken lightly. Barry Callebaut has strong foundations for growth and the UK will remain a key market for future investment.

"We understand that this will be a concerning time for all those that will be affected by this announcement and their families, and we will be supporting them through this difficult period."

Barry Callebaut created in 1996 through the merging of the Belgian chocolate producer Callebaut and the French company Cacao Barry.

It is headquartered in Zürich and operates in over 30 countries.

In the UK, the group has operations in Chester and Banbury and employs about 370 people.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.