Premier Foods confirms talks over canning sites
The announcement follows a story published by FoodManufacture.co.uk on Friday revealing that Premier Foods had been talking to Princes about the two sites.
In a statement to the stock exchange issued this morning, Premier said: “As stated at the time of its interim results on 4 August, the Board remains open minded about disposals, provided they deliver shareholder value and accelerate the reduction of average net debt/EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and goodwill amortisation).
“As part of this, the group confirms it has received approaches that may or may not lead to a sale of its East Anglian canning operations.”
The Wisbech site, which employs more than 460 people, makes Loyd Grossman sauces (pouches) plus canned beans, soups and pasta; while Long Sutton, which employs more than 600 staff, makes Fray Bentos pies, baked beans, canned vegetables, meat; puddings and other products.
Both sites picked up new business and took on more staff when Premier closed the Campbell's factory in Kings Lynn.
It is not clear how any deal with Princes would impact on staff working at Premier's warehouses at Lynn Road, West Norfolk, Salter and Cromwell Road.
