General Mills announces the closure of its Jus-Rol manufacturing facility in Berwick

US-based General Mills has announced it will close its Jus-Rol manufacturing facility in Berwick, UK, to streamline its operations.

The multinational manufacturer and marketer of branded consumer foods completed collective consultation with employee representatives and union officials on the proposal of closing the facility in Berwick, scheduled on 29 October.

After the consultation process closed and a decision was made to move ahead with the closure, the company will have to begin necessary phases to close the plant.

The closure will affect 265 jobs. Parent company General Mills promised to support and provide transition benefits to all affected employees.

UK Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers (USDAW) area organiser Rab Donnelly was quoted by BBC News saying: "Since the initial announcement, we have been in extensive consultation meetings with the company, looking at ways to avoid a closure.

"With great sadness for the workers on the site, their families and the wider community, this proved not to be possible and General Mills have today announced that the closure of the Berwick factory will go ahead."

The Northumberland pastry factory, operated by General Mills since 2001, makes baking mixes, and refrigerated and frozen dough products.

Northumberland County Council cabinet member for economic growth Alan Hepple was quoted by BBC News saying: "This is very sad news for the county, and particularly for the staff who work in the factory, which has been a big employer in the town for many years."

In 2015, General Mills also closed its New Albany facility resulting in approximately 400 job losses.