Samworth Cornish factory merger plan: jobs at risk

The Ginsters maker told FoodManufacture.co.uk that it intended to merge the adjacent Tamar and Lynher bakery operations in Callington to create a new Savoury Pastry Centre of Excellence.

As part of the proposed consolidation plan, the company said it had entered into consultation with a small number of managerial and administration staff, whose roles might be at risk.

Joanne Milroy, group communications for Samworth Brothers, revealed that up to 17 jobs were at risk. The total workforce at the Tamar and Lynher bakeries is around 915. 

Savoury Pastry Centre of Excellence​

“We told our staff in November 2017 that we are intending to merge the adjacent Tamar and Lynher bakery operations in Callington to create a new Savoury Pastry Centre of Excellence,”​ said Milroy.

“This will create a stronger and sustainable business going forward with a larger scale bakery. As part of the proposed consolidation plan we have entered into consultation with a small number of managerial and administration staff, whose roles may be at risk due to the consolidation of the sites. ​

“We are committed to do everything we can to support those affected and, where possible, working to identify alternative roles across the group.”​

Meanwhile, Samworth Brothers has confirmed the appointment of Flor Healy as its new group chief executive.

Former Kerry Foods boss​

Healy, previously chief executive officer at Kerry Foods – a position he held for 14 years – joined the company on January 8.

Prior to taking the top job at Kerry, Healy managed food businesses in areas ranging from chilled and frozen ready meals, cooked meat, pastry products, cheese and dairy products and consumer food brands.

He will be based at company’s group centre in Melton Mowbray.

A fourth generation family company, Samworth operates 19 businesses in the UK, employing around 8,500 people.

Its brands include Ginsters, Soreen, West Cornwall Pasty Co, Dickinson & Morris, Walker & Son and SCI-MX.