Frozen chip firm axes 120 jobs

Aug 21 2007

UP to 120 jobs are to be axed from a frozen food plant in Staffordshire.

McCain Foods announced yesterday that "local environmental constraints" at its site in Wombourne had made the production of chips uneconomical.

The job losses represent a halving of the workforce. A 90-day consultation of workers will begin on August 30, the company said. This will follow the election of an employee consultation committee.

McCain's regional chief executive Nick Vermont said: "Despite millions of pounds of investment over many years at Wombourne, we still face significant issues relating to local environmental constraints.

"These continue to cause serious operational difficulties and, as a result, production at Wombourne is no longer economically viable."

Under the firm's proposals, the site will now focus on the preparation of speciality potato products with chip production moving to other sites in the UK.

"McCain will ensure that affected employees receive above statutory severance terms," he added.

The company has said it will also assist workers with finding alternative employment.

Despite the cutbacks, the firm said it remained "absolutely committed" to the Wombourne plant.