McCormick: proposed shift to Peterborough to affect 380 staff
The company has announced that a full consultation period would begin shortly and, if the proposal moves forward, that the complete transfer would impact 380 McCormick colleagues at the Littleborough site. However, once it is fully operational, the 93,000m² net zero carbon building at Peterborough is expected to create 300 jobs.
The plan reflected the company's accelerated growth ambitions and strengthened sustainability commitments and was a response to fluctuating market conditions over the past two years, according to the business.
McCormick said it would be providing an extensive people care programme, including outplacement, financial and wellbeing support, redeployment opportunities and assistance to the Littleborough site.
Field sales redundancies
In February, the company confirmed it was making 17 staff redundant in its field sales team as it adapted to shifting trends in the domestic grocery market.
In the year to 30 November 2021, McCormick reported net sales up 13% compared to the previous year to $6.3bn, while operating profit grew slightly to just past $1bn.
Net sales for its Flavour Solutions segment increased 19% from $2bn to $2.4bn, while operating profit rose from $237.9m to $296.6m, up 25%. The company recorded double digit growth for the division in Europe, Middle East & Africa in its fourth financial quarter.
Strong growth with quick service restaurants and branded foodservice customers combined with higher sales to packaged food and beverage companies drove the increase.
2020 investment in Peterborough
In February 2020, McCormick announced an investment in a new facility in Peterborough to accelerate future growth, offer leading-edge research & development facilities and establish a sustainable manufacturing blueprint for its global supply chain.
The roles being created at Peterborough have a strong focus on technological advancement and digitalisation. The team at Peterborough will increasingly interact with digital and automated systems to meet the highest safety and quality standards and deliver great tasting products.
“This has been a very difficult decision," said Ana Sanchez, president, Europe, Middle East & Africa at McCormick. "We are committed to providing our Littleborough colleagues with our full support and care. McCormick remains a dedicated employer in the UK and redeployment opportunities to our Peterborough site will remain part of our ongoing assistance programme.”
