Kellogg's owner Kelanova has announced that it could close its Trafford Park factory, with the loss of 360 jobs.
Keranova announced today that it is considering the future of its 90-year-old factory, which makes Corn Flakes, Rice Krispies and Coco Pops, and is proposing that it could close by the end of 2026.
The group claims the factory is too old to be modernized and many of the buildings on the site are no longer in use.
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Talks began today with workers at the famous factory, which operates 24 hours a day and produces one million boxes of cereal every day.
Keranova, which owns brands including Kellogg's and Pringles, said Greater Manchester “remains its home in the UK”. The company's 520 staff at its Media City headquarters and technology hub are unaffected by today's announcement, as are staff at its cereal factory in Wrexham and distribution center in St Helens.
Chris Silcock, UK Managing Director of Keranova, said: “We know that generations of families have worked at our Trafford Park factory and the proposals we are announcing today have nothing to do with the dedication of the talented people who work there.
“But there's no getting away from the fact that this facility opened in 1938. It's a layout that made sense in the 1930s, with food moving up and down six floors.” Industrial design and Due to changes in technology, it is not possible to lay out such a factory now.
“Furthermore, we are only using half of the space in the building and the investment required to maintain the factory over the next few years is simply not viable. Therefore, the long-term future of the Trafford Park factory is uncertain at this time. I can not see.
“We know this is difficult for many people to hear, which is why we want to focus on our employees right now. We will take the necessary time to discuss our proposal. We will be speaking with our employees and their representatives to demonstrate how we will support them in an appropriate manner should this change occur.”
This is a live event. All the latest information can be found on the blog below…
14:13alistair houghton
Why Kellogg's is closing its famous factory
The Kellogg factory has been a Trafford Park landmark for 90 years and, sadly for its hard-working and dedicated staff, that may be exactly the problem for owners Kelanova.
From the outside, modern manufacturing plants look like nondescript gray sheds. Inside, it's noisy, automated, computerized, and laid out for maximum efficiency. It also has a wide range of openness and flexibility, allowing it to adapt to the latest technologies, from robots to conveyor belts.
Because Kellogg Trafford Park was built in a different era, the company appears to have decided it could not update the factory. Workers will now hope they can change Keranova's bosses' minds.
Chris Silcock, Keranova's UK managing director, praised the workers at the site. But he said: “There's no getting away from the fact that this facility opened in 1938. It's a layout that made sense in the 1930s, with food moving up and down six floors.” Industrial Design and Technology Due to changes in the industry, it is no longer possible to lay out such a factory.
“Furthermore, we are only using half of the space in the building and the investment required to maintain the factory over the next few years is simply not viable.”
14:07nicole wootton cain
USDAW Area Organizer Mick Murray says news is 'devastating'
“It’s devastating news for staff to hear that Kellogg’s manufacturing facility in Trafford Park, Manchester, is being considered for closure. It was a manufacturing base.
“Usdaw will now commence meaningful discussions with the company, during which we will interrogate their business case and seek the best possible outcome for staff affected by the proposed closure. At this difficult time, We provide support, advice and representation to our members.”
14:01nicole wootton cain
How many jobs are at risk?
Keranova's announcement today said 360 jobs “may be at risk.”
The company said it will now enter into a detailed consultation and consultation process with fellow trade unions and employee representatives, which it expects to last approximately 90 days.
13:55nicole wootton cain
“Feeling of shock”
One employee said: manchester evening news Staff at the factory today knew closure “could be on the cards” but said there was still a “feeling of shock”.
13:51nicole wootton cain
A little history…
The Trafford Park site is the largest cereal factory in Europe and the largest corn flake factory in the world. It opened on May 24, 1938.
When World War II broke out, import restrictions made it impossible to produce corn flakes, so the company developed wheat flakes.
Factory staff also formed their own Kellogg unit in their home guard unit to protect the site, and an ambulance team was also activated as the site was bombed during an air raid.
Over the next few decades, new cereals were invented at the Trafford Park factory, and in 1980 Manchenians invented Crunchy Nut Cornflakes.
Learn more about the history of the site.
13:42nicole wootton cain
Who else does Keranova/Keranova in Manchester and the UK?
Kellogg's parent company Kelanova employs more than 1,200 people across the UK, most of whom are unaffected by today's sad announcement at Trafford Park.
Keranova has its UK headquarters and technology hub in Media City, with a serial research and development center located next door. Approximately 520 people work there and they are unaffected by today's news.
A further 400 people work at the company's distribution center in St Helens, Merseyside, and its factory in Wrexham. They are unaffected by today's news.
13:36nicole wootton cain
What is Keranova?
Most people know the Trafford Park site as Kellogg's, after the historic cereal brand, so the name Kelanova may be unfamiliar.
However, the company that owns it is now called Kellanova. It was established in October 2023 after the reorganization of Kellogg Company.
The company describes itself as “a leading company in global snacks, global cereals and noodles, plant-based foods, and North American frozen breakfasts with iconic, world-class brands.”
Globally, these brands include Pringles, Pop-Tarts, and Cheez-Its, as well as famous Kellogg's brands such as Manchester-made Corn Flakes, Rice Krispies, and Coco Pops.
13:30nicole wootton cain
King Charles visited the factory last year
Just over a year ago, in January 2023, the Trafford Park factory received a special visit from King Charles.
During the visit, officials said they spoke with the king about sustainability and the company's Breakfast Club program, which provides meals to hungry children at school.
Learn more about.
13:25major events
Trafford Council Leader’s Statement
Trafford Council's Tom Rossrieder said: “Kellogg's has been part of the fabric of Trafford for many decades and an important partner of the council, so this announcement is extremely disappointing and will leave the business and “This is a huge blow to everyone involved in the local economy.”
“We continue to have conversations with Kellogg about their plans for the Trafford Park factory and will work closely with management, staff and other key partners to provide all the support we can in the coming months. ”
