Samworth Brothers is planning to create a Savoury Pastry Centre of Excellence with the merger of two bakery operations in Callington, Cornwall.

Staff from the Tamar and Lynher bakeries, which between them employ 915 people, were told late last year of plans to merge the businesses, putting 17 managerial and administrative roles at risk.

The Ginsters owner said the move would create a stronger and sustainable business going forward, with a larger-scale bakery.

“We are committed to do everything we can to support those affected and, where possible, working to identify alternative roles across the group,” said Joanne Milroy, group communications for Samworth Brother.

New Samworth Brothers chief executive Flor Healy last week began his role at the business – ten months after Alex Knight stepped down from his post.