Up to 135 jobs at risk as consultation launched into closing Corby plant by end of 2020

More than 130 jobs are at risk after Roquette announced plans to cease all manufacturing activities and shut down its production plant in Corby by the end of the year.

Despite efforts to maintain a profitable operation and improve the efficiency of the plant, the Roquette Group considers that the financial results in recent years have not made the operation in Corby financially viable.

If the firm, which provides plant-based ingredients for food and other industrial sectors in the UK, goes ahead with the closure of its Corby plant, the 'vast majority' of its 135 employees would be affected.

Phillip Wells, the plant manager in Corby, said: “It is with deep regret that we must announce the launch of this consultation.

"This has not been undertaken lightly and we understand how unsettling today’s announcement will be.

“We also understand the impact that this proposal would have on our employees, wider supplier base and the local community.

"We are committed to working closely with all stakeholders to meet our obligations and to treat our colleagues, counterparts and business partners fairly and respectfully throughout this difficult time.”

It is proposed that the Corby plant would cease manufacturing activities by the end of 2020.

Until then the supply of products and services to UK customers would remain the same.

Further to that, it is envisaged that supply and technical support to the UK market would be provided through imports from other plants of the group to ensure continuation of supply based on revised agreements.

Roquette is a privately owned company, driven by a set of values that reflect its family heritage and that have marked its 87 years’ history.

This closure would affect the vast majority of its workforce of 135 employees, and the impact of this proposal on them is the main concern for the group.

Roquette has said it is committed to treating its workforce fairly and to provide them with the appropriate level of support through these unsettling times.

Roquette currently operates in more than 100 countries, has a turnover of around 3.7 billion euros and employs 8,670 people worldwide.

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