Allied Bakeries, the company behind Kingsmill, Allinson and Burgen, plans to shut a distribution centre in Flintshire, which will put 53 jobs at risk.

Allied said the decision to close the Chester Road site in Saltney was part of an “efficiency review”.

The depot is due to shut in November. The company has started formal consultations with staff and unions, and said it hoped jobs could be found in other parts of the business or the wider parent company, Associated British Foods (ABF).

Alyn and Deeside MP Mark Tami said the company was working to keep job losses to a minimum: “I was very disappointed to hear the news. My thoughts are with all the employees during this unsettling time.

"I must commend the representatives of Allied Bakeries for all their efforts to keep the site open. Unfortunately it is a very competitive market and now we must focus on offering the employees who will be affected by this the necessary support – something I’m sure they will receive from Allied Bakeries and the relevant bodies.”

Some staff will be offered the opportunity to relocate to work at the firm’s Stockport site.

A spokesperson from Allied said: “We are currently consulting with our employees and their union representatives about these proposals, which if accepted would, regrettably, result in 53 people being placed at risk of redundancy.

“We understand that this will be a difficult and unsettling time for our employees and their families. If the proposals are accepted, every effort will be made to help those people affected secure alternative employment, either within other parts of Allied Bakeries operations, or externally in the local area.”

The company added that the decision “in no way reflects the commitment and efforts of those affected”.

The Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union (BFAWU) said it would be meeting management from Allied Bakeries on Wednesday (20 July).

In March, Sunblest pancake production was overhauled at Allied East Belfast plant.