Rank Hovis, part of Premier Foods, is in consultation with employees about the proposed cessation of milling and pac- king at its Rotherham Mill in South Yorkshire.

Garry Sharkey, head of wheat procurement, told British Baker: "Last week we announced consultations to end milling at the site in early September and pac-king in early November. This follows a review of our milling and packing capacity across our whole estate. However, the site will continue as a warehousing and distribution facility."

He continued: "Flour is not an expanding market and there have been structural changes to the dynamics of flour supply, so it is with deep regret that we propose to cease milling and packing at Rotherham.

"We will do all we can to relocate employees where possible within Premier Foods and to support those on-site. This has been a very thorough review and Rank Hovis will continue to ensure its customers receive the highest quality of contact and service that they currently enjoy."

The remaining seven mills in Rank Hovis’s portfolio are: Glasgow; Selby, North York-shire; Manchester; Barry, south Wales; Wellingbough, Northants; Andover and Southampton in Hants; plus the Holgran wheat maltings in Gainsborough.