Job losses with pie factory axe

Mar 14 2008

A WEST Midlands pie factory is set to close in June, resulting in 77 redundancies.

Bosses at Apetito claim the Dudley job losses are the only "viable option" but stressed that the decision to cease production at the Peartree Lane site had not been taken lightly.

The news comes after a five-week period of review and consultation, following an announcement by the company in February that the factory was making losses despite "substantial" investment.

Chief executive Paul Freeston said: "Our workers have been loyal and committed to the company and we are in no doubt as to the disappointment this decision will cause.

"We are looking to work with all those affected to identify any other suitable employment opportunities.

"If this cannot be achieved, those who are eligible will receive a redundancy package. It is with great sadness that we have had to take this decision based on the fact that despite substantial investment into the factory over the past five years, we just cannot sustain the continuing losses."