750 jobs under threat as food group Bakkavor set to close Wigan factory

Around 750 jobs are under threat after food group Bakkavor announced it could close its factory.

The company published a statement on the stock market saying its Wigan meal production facility, at Ince, was "unsustainable with low margin business in a factory that needs significant investment".

The Iceland-headquartered company owns 20 other factories across the UK, including in Crewe and Nantwich, as well as the one on Manchester Road at Ince-in-Makerfield.

“This 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,” it said.

The company said it planned to offer colleagues ‘alternative roles wherever possible’.

“We will also be working on several alternative initiatives to help colleagues secure alternative employment opportunities in the local area.”

The factory produces potatoe dishes, freshly prepared vegetables,ready meals and salads.

Responding to the news, Wigan council leader, Councillor David Molyneux, said: “We are deeply disappointed at this news and we will try to support the workforce as best we can.

“I have asked the council’s economic team to make contact with the company and support all those facing redundancy and their families.”

Bakkavor bought the business for £44m from the Hitchen family in 2005, but has recently put its UK operations under review.