Warburtons has confirmed it is proposing to close its Newport bakery in South Wales, with the loss of up to 114 jobs. However, Brace’s Bakery has already stepped forward to try and save the site in Rogerstone.
The bakery’s 114 employees were informed of the proposed closure yesterday (Wednesday 22 September), and Warburtons has now entered into a period of consultation with its employees and their representatives, which will last a minimum of 90 days.
Warburtons said the decision to consider the future of the bakery has been taken for “operational reasons” and has been reached after much consideration.
“A number of options will be discussed, including if necessary opportunities for employment at other Warburtons sites, voluntary redundancy and early retirement,” said the firm.
Scott Richardson, sales and marketing director at Welsh bakery Brace’s said the firm has been interested in opening a site within Newport for a number of years, and sees this “as an opportunity to step in and keep the bakery up and running – saving jobs in the process”.
“We have already initiated talks with the Baker’s Union and the Welsh Assembly Government to discuss what options are available to us in terms of buying the site. We have also contacted Warburtons directly,” he added.
“Developing a bakery in Newport would be key to future expansion and allowing us to continue to improve our offering. We have previously expressed an interest in this very site, which we already know has tremendous potential for us.”
Commenting on the interest from Brace’s a spokesperson for Warburtons said the firm wanted to stress it is only proposing to close the site. "Our priority at the moment is caring and supporting our employees during this difficult time."
The Newport bakery produces a range of items including fruited bakery products, and white and wholemeal bread.
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