Giles Foods has confirmed it is to close its bakery in Milton Keynes.

As exclusively revealed by British Baker, the Warburtons-owned business announced in April that it planned to close the site with the potential loss of almost 220 jobs.

At the time, Warburtons – which has just announced a £25m drop in overall turnover – said the move was a result of “significant ongoing challenges facing the business and is despite considerable time and financial investment”.

Giles Foods has now confirmed the closure of the factory, which produces a range of own-label products including garlic breads, following a “full and meaningful” consultation with staff.

“We have taken the difficult decision to close the Giles Foods bakery in Milton Keynes,” said a spokesman for Giles Foods. “Everyone impacted has been informed and we are now focused on supporting our people through this difficult time.”

The bakery is expected to close this year, but the company has not confirmed a date. No other part of the Warburtons or Giles Food business is affected.

In the most recent accounts filed at Companies House, which cover the 52 weeks to 26 September 2015, Giles Foods reported a loss before tax of £9.7m on turnover of £22.7m. The business stated it had lost “certain major contracts” over the period.

Giles Foods was the first acquisition to be made by Warburtons, which bought the business in 2013.

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