Wigan Bakkavor factory closure plans could lead to 750 job losses

About 750 people could lose their jobs after a food firm announced “the potential closure” of a factory in Wigan.

The Icelandic company Bakkavor said the facility, which prepares ready meals, was “unsustainable with low-margin business”, adding that the factory “needs significant investment”.

“This has resulted in the difficult but necessary decision to announce the potential closure of this site, with consultation to commence at the end of September 2024,” a Bakkavor spokesman said.

The company said it planned to offer workers “alternative roles wherever possible”.

Bakkavor bought the factory, in Manchester Road in Ince-in-Makerfield, for £44m in 2005 – but the international food manufacturer has recently put its British operations under review.

The company owns 20 other factories across the UK.

Wigan Council leader David Molyneux said: “We are deeply disappointed at this news, and we will try to support the workforce as best we can.

“I have asked the council’s economic team to make contact with the company, and support all those facing redundancy, and their families.”