Arla Foods is today informing employees at its Manchester dairy of its intention to close the dairy and distribution facility at Wythenshawe, Manchester.
The decision to close the dairy and distribution facility is based on Arla's strategy of further enhancing its operational efficiencies across the entire business. Under the proposals, raw milk, currently processed at Manchester, will be transferred to the company's processing facilities at Ashby de la Zouche, Leicestershire, Hatfield Peverel, Essex and Stourton, Leeds.
The closure, to be completed by January 2009, is subject to consultation and would result in the loss of around 300 jobs.
Arla Foods is immediately entering into consultation with its Manchester employees and their representatives.
Maxine Morgan, Business Group Director, HR, at Arla Foods, said today: "We very much regret the need to announce today our proposed plans to close our Manchester site.
"We have informed colleagues affected by our proposal today and are also fully consulting with Trade Union representatives. We are committed to giving full support to affected colleagues to help them find alternative employment both internally and externally of Arla Foods, subject to the consultation process."