Former Kerry Foods factory one step closer to reopening

The US-based firm submitted plans for the site in January through its subsidiary Creative Foods Europe, which would see the installation of seven 30,000-litre storage tanks along the rear of the main building and was expected to bring employment back to the area.

Factory closure ​

Production at the factory ceased in August last year,​​ as a result of Kerry Foods losing a major supply deal with retailer Tesco. The factory previously employed up to 900 people, of which 121 found new roles through on-site job fairs attended by local employers.

It is not known at this time how many jobs will be created as part of the reopening of the site and whether or not former Kerry employees will be invited back to work. Food Manufacture​ has approached OSI for comment.

Creative Foods Europe has operated since 1991, distributing Tabasco pepper sauce in foodservice channels and producing food under a range of brands, including Harvest Farms, Atlantic Sauces & Dressings and Calder Foods.

Meanwhile, up to 50 jobs could be created at Fox’s Biscuits’ Kirkham, Lancashire site​​ as a result of a transition to 24/7 production at the factory.