Tulip is considering closing its Tipton plant in the West Midlands, putting 642 jobs at risk.
The UK’s biggest pork processor has announced it will be entering into collective consultation with employee representatives over the future of the fresh pork manufacturing site.
As part of its on-going operational review and business recovery plan, Tulip is proposing to transfer operations from the West Midlands site to alternative sites within its UK network. This will place 642 roles at Tipton at risk of redundancy, a spokesperson for the company said.
In August 2018, Tulip announced it had invested over £1m in a new mincing line at its factory in Tipton to improve efficiencies and increase output at the site.
The spokesperson said: “Tipton has a long history and is well established in the local area with many long-serving employees, however, the site itself requires significant investment and redevelopment to cater for future requirements, while its location places severe restrictions on any further development.
“The business is keen to retain the experience and skills of the Tipton team where possible. Transfer opportunities to alternative Tulip sites will be explored thoroughly if the closure is confirmed and employees will be presented with a number of options as part of the consultation process.”
Tulip recently announced that its Bodmin plant, which was under threat of closure, will remain open, although 124 jobs have gone at the site.