Around 300 jobs are at risk after a food company announced it plans to close a factory in Nottinghamshire.
International manufacturer Bakkavor wants to shut the Welcome Foods factory in Huthwaite.
The firm blamed ‘difficult trading conditions’ which have led to it losing money.
A spokesman said: “Bakkavor Group can confirm it is entering into a period of consultation with employees at Welcome Foods in Huthwaite, Nottinghamshire with regard to ceasing all operations at the site.
“For some time now Welcome Foods has been impacted by difficult trading conditions.
“The Group has explored a number of different options to sustain the business but has now concluded Welcome Foods is no longer commercially viable.
“Therefore our proposal is to cease operations at Welcome Foods and transfer production to other Bakkavor sites which have similar product synergies.”
A consultation on the plan will last at least 45 days. Bakkavor said it will work with the unions on the plans and consider all representations made on behalf of the Company’s employees.
The spokesman added: “If our proposal goes ahead, we will make significant efforts to assist staff in finding alternative employment in the local area and relocate staff wherever possible within Bakkavor Group.
“We would like to thank all of our employees for their commitment and professionalism during this difficult time.
“We will work closely with the representatives to keep employees appropriately updated throughout the consultation period.”
Bakkavor runs 30 facilities at 19 locations across the UK and supplies food to customers including Tesco, Marks & Spencer and Sainsbury’s.
Former worker Matt Lockhart, from Mansfield, posted on Facebook: “Sad to see that Welcome Foods in Huthwaite is closing.
“It was here that I started to learn the knowledge that set me on my career as a Manufacturing Technician.
“I’ve just this week started my second job since Welcome and it’s been a step in the right direction each time.”
