Almost 170 jobs at risk as Samworth Brothers mulls closure of plant-based factory

Leicestershire-based food giant Samworth Brother could close its plant-based Revolution Kitchen arm in a move which could put hundreds of jobs at risk.

According to trade title The Grocer, Samworth Brothers has started a consultation with 169 staff at its Melton Mowbray factory, which makes plant-based own-label food for the likes of Tesco.

A statement seen by The Grocer, from Samworth MD Lee Sullivan, reads: “It is with regret that we are beginning a formal consultation with our colleagues regarding the potential closure of Revolution Kitchen in Melton Mowbray.

“Unfortunately, the market in which Revolution Kitchen operates in is in decline and several other suppliers have already exited the market due to this.

“In addition, despite significant financial investment and the commitment and hard work of everyone, Revolution Kitchen has continued to make significant losses, and this is not sustainable for the group.

“We understand this announcement will be difficult for our colleagues at Revolution Kitchen.”

Samworth said it would look to redeploy staff to its other factories in Leicestershire if it decided to close Revolution Kitchen.

A spokesperson for the company told TheBusinessDesk.com: “We very much regret that we are consulting with colleagues regarding the potential closure of our Revolution Kitchen site in Pate Road, Melton Mowbray.  No decisions have been made as yet.  In the event of a closure, it is hoped there will be opportunities for a good number of individuals to redeploy to one of our many other sites in the Leicestershire area.”

The news comes just weeks after Plant & Bean’s 125,000 sq ft factory in Boston was bought out of administration by Heather Mills.