Closure of Trafford Park Kellogg’s factory confirmed, with loss of all 360 jobs
The Kellogg’s factory in Trafford Park is to close, with the loss of 360 jobs, its US parent company, Kellanova, has confirmed.
The company warned in February this year that it was under threat of closure and had opened consultations with the workforce.
Trade union, Usdaw, said it is supporting its members involved in production at the plant “at this difficult time”.
Mick Murray, Usdaw area organiser, said: “This is devastating news for the staff to hear that the Kellogg’s manufacturing site in Manchester’s Trafford Park is being closed. This iconic site opened in 1938 and was the first manufacturing base for Kellogg’s in Britain.
“Usdaw has engaged in meaningful consultation talks with the company, where we interrogated their business case.
“Regrettably, it became clear that the site is not fit for purpose and unable to accommodate modern manufacturing processes.”
He added: “Through the consultation talks we have secured an enhanced redundancy package for those leaving the business.
“We are providing our members with the support, advice and representation at this difficult time through the individual consultations, where we will be seeking redeployment and retraining opportunities.”
The company said the site will close by the end of 2026.
When Kellanova made its February announcement, its UK Managing Director, Chris Silcock, said: “We know generations of families have worked at our Trafford Park site, and the proposal we are announcing today has nothing to do with the dedication of the outstanding people who work there.
“However, we can’t escape the fact the site opened in 1938. It’s laid out in a way that made sense in the 1930s, with food travelling up and down six floors to be made. With changes in industrial design and technology, you just wouldn’t lay out a factory like that nowadays.
“What’s more we only use half the space in the buildings and the investment required to maintain the factory in the coming years is simply not viable.
“That’s why we can’t currently see a long-term future for our Trafford Park factory.”
He added: “We know this will be difficult for many to hear and that’s why we now want to focus on our people. We will take the necessary time to discuss our proposals with our people and their representatives and show them how we will support them in the right way should this change happen.”
The plant makes Corn Flakes, Rice Krispies and Coco Pops.
