Salads maker Solway Foods to cease operations in Corby

Solway Foods has confirmed its plans to cease trading at its manufacturing site in Corby, Northamptonshire, UK.

The decision comes after a 45-day consultation period.

The Corby unit produces wet salads, prepared salads, dressed salads and sandwich fillers.

Expected to conclude by late summer, the closure will be carried out in two phases amd will include 900 staff redundancies.

Solway Foods said that some of the redundant staff could be given opportunities elsewhere in its parent company 2 Sisters Food.

A Solway Foods spokesman said, "During consultation we have fully explored all the options available to us. Sadly, the fact remains that the site is no longer viable."

Corby and East Northamptonshire MP Andy Sawford said, "Various offers were made to support the company, including an offer to help with relocating to a new site in Corby and I am disappointed that Solway were not prepared to look at this option."

A taskforce, which was established when consultations started, is exploring ways to place as many Solway Foods workers into other jobs or re-train them as soon as possible, Sawford added.

On 27 March, a Jobs Fair will be held at Learnspace, Corby, for the closure-affected employees.

Northampton-based sandwich maker Greencore is also offering various job opportunities to Solway Foods’ staff, and is looking to employ around 200 people.

With annual turnover in excess of £130m, Solway Foods is one of the leading manufacturers of fresh salads and sandwiches in the UK.