Production at the Merseyside factory, which produces Cheerios and own-label rice crispies and cornflakes for supermarkets, would be moved to its site in Staverton, Northamptonshire.
A spokesman for the business said: “Cereal Partners United Kingdom and Ireland is talking to employees about proposed changes to manufacturing that would involve a £74m investment at its Staverton factory and the closure of its factory in Bromborough. Regrettably, these proposals would put 314 roles at risk of redundancy.
“The Bromborough factory currently manufactures both branded and supermarket branded cereals. Under the proposals, production of branded cereals at Bromborough would be transferred to CPUK&I’s Staverton site where £74m would be invested to expand the factory’s capability and around 60 new roles created.”
End of own-label
Additionally, CPUK&I proposed it would cease production of supermarket branded cereal and the end of its current contracts.
“Both CPUK&I factories are currently below capacity,” the spokesman added. “These proposals would adjust CPUK&I’s manufacturing footprint to better match demand and simplify our portfolio to focus investment on our branded cereals.
“Sales of breakfast cereal are in significant decline owing to the changing habits of UK and Irish consumers and greater competition from alternative breakfast options.”
Workers union GMB demanded urgent talks with management and called for the company to engage with it to make sure workers’ voices were heard and livelihoods were prioritised.
‘Heart of the community’
Commenting on the plans, GMB regional organiser Matt Denton said: “For three decades, CPUK&I has been at the heart of this community, providing good jobs and supporting countless businesses.
“Three hundred skilled workers facing an uncertain future is simply unacceptable. GMB will fight to protect jobs, secure fair treatment for workers and explore all potential options to mitigate the impact of this closure.”
Meanwhile, the Compleat Food Group has announced another round of redundancies, with this round impacting staff at its facility in Crewe.
The food manufacturer did not confirm how many people have lost their jobs, but said that it was less than the 60 being reported elsewhere.
