Union urges Trigon administrator to save 110 jobs
The maker of peanut brands Big D and Planters entered administration on September 10, due to cash flow problems.
The union has urged the administrator to invite the government department Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) to consider involving the state-owned RBS bank as creditor.
Make a decision
Unite claimed the administrator was due to make a decision on the future of the company “imminently”. There were 110 jobs left at the Aintree factory, after 64 employees lost their jobs on 13 September, it said.
Unite fears more jobs could be lost if the business was sold to German company Intersnack.
Franny Joyce, Unite regional officer, said: “We know there are a number of parties interested in acquiring this business, and some are committed to retaining the business in Liverpool. However, should Intersnack purchase the company, we fear they may only focus on the machinery and the brands, and close the site.”
Joyce added: "64 loyal workers have already been sacked. It is vital that administrator Duff & Phelps does everything possible to retain these much needed jobs in Liverpool and allows business secretary Vince Cable to look into the role RBS has played as a creditor in this affair.”
Cash flow problems
Joyce claimed that Trigon Snacks was a viable company – albeit with cash flow problems – and, with the right owner, had a long-term future.
A BIS spokesman told FoodManufacture.co.uk: “Any company can approach any bank for a loan. Whether the bank would take it on – particularly if the business was in administration – was another matter.”
A spokeswoman for Duff & Phelps declined to comment on the case.
No one from Intersnack was available to speak to FoodManufacture.co.uk
Trigon Snacks makes Planters under licence and makes and owns Big D, while owning and supplying savoury treats brand Passion Shed. It also imports own-label nuts for most of the UK’s major food retailers.
Intersnack acquired KP Snacks last December for an undisclosed sum.
