Gressingham Game Brompton site closure hits 12 jobs
Production of the manufacturer’s core lines will be moved from the Brompton site to the Gressingham Foods factory at Grange Farm Redgrave with immediate effect.
The decision to cease production in Brompton comes just 14 months after Gressingham purchased the former Yorkshire Game site.
A spokesman for the company said that despite a successful first season, the complexity and logistical challenges of Gressingham’s suppliers and customer base – combined with the highly seasonal nature of the business – had proven it was too inefficient in a highly competitive marketplace for Brompton to be viable as a stand-alone site.
Focus on core range
“Gressingham Game will continue to operate and trade from the Gressingham Foods' Norfolk site with its focus being on the core, established products which include venison steaks and burgers and wild boar burgers,” the spokesman told Food Manufacture.
At the point of relocation, the site employed 12 permanent staff – of which 10 have been found new roles in the local area. Gressingham said it was working with local recruiters to support the remaining affected staff.
The manufacturer also confirmed that it would no longer process feather or in-fur game and would instead focus on added value in its core ranges.
Better serving customers
“We are confident that the move will mean we can better serve our customers and provide a fantastic base for making duck and game more accessible to consumers,” the spokesman added.
Last month saw a number of food manufacturers close sites in the UK, resulting in more than 700 jobs being put at risk.
Northern Ireland-based baker and health foods manufacturer Linwoods revealed plans to close its bakery, with up to 70 jobs to be axed at the site.
Meanwhile, more than 400 jobs are under threat at Addo Food Group’s Spalding site after the chilled pastry specialist opened a consultation process to close the factory and transfer production to its Poole and Palethorpes bakeries.