Global snacking company pladis is considering closing its biscuit factory in Tollcross, Glasgow, Scotland, a move that would affect 468 jobs.
The company said the proposal would address “excess capacity” across its manufacturing sites in the United Kingdom. It selected the Tollcross site based on a “comprehensive business analysis,” which considered factors including utilization, volume and product mix.
This proposal, which is subject to consultation with employees, would move production to other pladis sites in the UK. The factory would cease operations in the second half of 2022.
“We know this news will be difficult for our colleagues at Tollcross,” said David Murray, pladis UK and Ireland managing director. “Our priority now is to provide them with the support they need during the consultation process. pladis is home to some of Britain’s best-loved brands which have been part of the fabric of our society for nearly 200 years. In order to protect them for generations to come, we must take steps to address excess capacity in the UK. This overcapacity limits our ability to make the right investments in future capabilities to meet the very big changes in our industry.”
Gary Smith, secretary of trade union GMB Scotland, criticized the proposal, pointing to the potential economic effects in Glasgow. The union intends to push back against the closure, he added.
“Staff have worked through the COVID-19 pandemic because management insist these are key workers, helping this business increase its lockdown sales into billions of pounds, but instead of reinvesting some of that money back into the Tollcross plant and its dedicated workforce, management are rewarding them with the closure of their site within a year,” he said.