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Planned factory closure could lead to 750 job losses

Exterior of Bakkavor meals factory in WiganImage source, LDRS
Image caption,

Bakkavor bought the factory in Wigan in 2005

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About 750 people could lose their jobs after a food firm announced "the potential closure" of a factory in Wigan.

The Icelandic company Bakkavor said the facility, which prepares ready meals, was 鈥渦nsustainable with low-margin business鈥, adding that the factory 鈥渘eeds significant investment鈥.

鈥淭his has resulted in the difficult but necessary decision to announce the potential closure of this site, with consultation to commence at the end of September 2024,鈥 a Bakkavor spokesman said.

The company said it planned to offer workers 鈥渁lternative roles wherever possible鈥.

Bakkavor bought the factory, in Manchester Road in Ince-in-Makerfield, for 拢44m in 2005 - but the international food manufacturer has recently put its British operations under review.

The company owns 20 other factories across the UK.

Wigan Council leader David Molyneux said: 鈥淲e are deeply disappointed at this news, and we will try to support the workforce as best we can.

鈥淚 have asked the council鈥檚 economic team to make contact with the company, and support all those facing redundancy, and their families.鈥

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