Morrisons deal secures 300 Cheshire jobs
Supermarket giant Morrisons has said that 300 jobs have been secured in Winsford with the acquisition of a 105,000 sq ft meat processing factory.
The site, which has been acquired from Vion UK, is a centralised fresh pork and lamb retail packing plant. Morrisons said the site has the capacity to expand into beef products and increase its overall production.
This acquisition is intended to strengthen Morrisons' manufacturing capabilities, the supermarket said. The company has pledged to invest £200m over a three-year period to support the growth of the business and acquired FlowerWorld last year, a specialist cut flowers business, as part of this.
"Owning the manufacturing sites that produce our fresh food is crucial to Morrisons because it ensures we can control quality and keep down costs for our customers," said Martyn Fletcher, Morrisons group manufacturing director.
"As Morrisons continues to grow, it is important we have the facilities to support us. This facility is a high quality, purpose built meat processing factory and will be an ideal addition to the fantastic manufacturing sites we already own."
Vion said: "Wm Morrison Supermarkets plc is a respected and highly successful company, and the proposed sale will provide for continuity and job security for the Winsford workforce."
The transfer is expected to be completed by 27 March 2012.
