PepsiCo to Close Walkers Snacks Factory in UK

380 jobs may be cut when PepsiCo closes its Walkers Snacks manufacturing plant at Peterlee in the UK by the end of 2018, numerous news media organizations reported Wednesday.

355 manufacturing positions and 25 in transport roles will be impacted by the American firm’s decision.

“In order to improve the efficiency of our UK snacks manufacturing operations, we are proposing the closure of our factory at Peterlee. Crisps currently produced at the site would be manufactured at our other facilities in the UK,” the company said in a statement.

PepsiCo said it is negotiating the plan with union officials and that no decisions will be made before employees and their representatives have an opportunity to discuss the matter with company officials, the BBC reported.

“Peterlee has been an important site for our business, but the changes we are proposing present significant productivity and efficiency savings crucial for ensuring the long-term sustainable growth of our business in the UK,” the PepsiCo statement said.

Tracey Foster, UK manufacturing director for PepsiCo told Sky News that the decision was not taken lightly.

“It is a difficult proposal for us to put forward and we want to make clear that it in no way reflects the performance of our colleagues at Peterlee, who we are grateful to for their hard work and commitment,” said Foster.

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