Sweet maker Tangerine Confectionery to close Blackpool site

SWEET maker Tangerine Confectionery has announced plans to close one of its two manufacturing sites in Blackpool, putting more than 160 jobs at threat.

The private equity-owned group is to shift production and equipment from its Clifton Road factory in the seaside town as part of a nationwide restructuring of its manufacturing operations.

Work will move to other sites, including its factory at Vicarage Lane. It is expected that Clifton Road will close by the end of March 2015.

In a statement Tangerine said: “Up to 166 staff at the Clifton Road factory have been informed that they will be affected by the proposed changes and a consultation process with employees on both a collective and individual basis begins today.”

The company said a strategic review had found excess capacity across its manufacturing locations and the changes would enable it to compete more effectively in “a very challenging market”.

Nigel Nelson, operations and supply chain director, said: “These changes at Tangerine are fundamental to creating sustainable jobs in Blackpool and elsewhere in our UK factories and underpin our future competitiveness as a British confectionery manufacturer.

“The decision has been made after a carefully considered review. Our primary concern at this stage is the welfare of our employees and we are committed to do all that we can to support them through the consultation period and beyond.

“We will do everything possible during this time to retain the experience of employees within the business by offering roles at our other factories for example, Vicarage Lane where we continue to invest.”