Fish factory to close with 115 jobs at risk
GoogleThe owners of a fish processing plant in North East Lincolnshire have confirmed it will close due to "challenging market conditions", affecting 115 employees.
Espersen said it would wind down production at its factory at Great Grimsby Business Park on Athenian Way later this year, after a consultation in May to save it was unsuccessful.
The Danish company said the market landscape had "significantly" changed and its financial results last year were "poor".
CEO Tim Bendix said: "The outcome of the consultation is not the one we had hoped for, but it reflects the reality we must address."
The company said it had experienced a significant drop in production volume, largely due to lower demand caused by economic factors and the rising price of raw materials.
It said it was "fully committed" to honouring customer obligations and would continue to deliver from Grimsby under its existing agreements, unless mutual transitions were agreed.
Over the coming weeks, it said it would be in contact with all customers receiving deliveries from the town and confirmed its target was to cease production in Grimsby by the middle of November.
Mr Bendix said: "We are grateful for the open and constructive approach from the UK team, and we will now turn our attention to supporting them and ensuring a smooth and responsible transition.
"We are fully aware of the impact this decision has on our colleagues and their families, and we are deeply grateful for their contribution to Espersen and dedication to this process."
The company said staff would be supported in securing positions elsewhere in the firm, with one-on-one counselling and guidance on the next steps also available.
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