Kellogg's workers in Trafford face uncertain future amid factory closure plan

A Greater Manchester landmark for more than 80 years, generations of families have worked at Kellogg's Trafford Park factory. The shock news of its proposed closure has been described as 'devastating'.

The careers of hundreds of workers were plunged into doubt on Thursday (February 8) as owner Kellanova announced it was considering the future of the site where Corn Flakes, Rice Krispies and Coco Pops are made, proposing it could close by the end of 2026.

It is thought 360 jobs would be at risk. One employee told the Manchester Evening News staff knew the closure 'could be on the cards', but that there was still a 'sense of shock' when the news broke.

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They added: "The general feeling seems to be a sense of anger and betrayal after working for the company throughout the Covid period, when there was a great increase in cereal sales, helping to generate record profits for the company at the time - only to be told the news today that the site and workers are no longer required."

The said the Kellanova brand was 'built upon the work done' over the last 86 years in Greater Manchester and news of the company's recent performance - which 'beat analysts' expectations' - had 'rubbed salt in the wounds'.

The site, opened in 1938, was the first manufacturing base of the breakfast food manufacturer in the UK.

The union Usdaw represents production workers at the plant - and said it would now 'interrogate' the company's business case for closure. Represented workers are being offered urgent support and guidance as a period of consultation with Kellogg's begins, added the union.

An MP, meanwhile, said any closure would be a 'devastating loss' to Greater Manchester. A council leader said he would be working closely with the company.

Kellanova said Greater Manchester 'would remain its British home' despite the announcement. The 520 staff at its MediaCity HQ and tech hub are unaffected, as are staff at its Wrexham cereal factory and at the St Helens distribution centre.

According to Kellanova's announcement, 360 jobs 'are at possible risk'. The company said it would be entering into a process of detailed talks and consultations with colleagues' trade unions and employee representatives, which it said are expected to last for around 90 days.

Mick Murray, Usdaw area organiser, said: "This is devastating news for the staff to hear that the Kellogg's manufacturing site in Manchester's Trafford Park is being considered for closure. This iconic site opened in 1938 and was the first manufacturing base for Kellogg's in Britain.

"Usdaw will now enter into meaningful consultation talks with the company, where we will interrogate their business case and seek the best possible outcome for staff impacted by the proposed closure. We are providing our members with the support, advice and representation at this difficult time."

The Trafford Park site - visited last year by King Charles to celebrate 100 years of the company in the UK - is the largest cereal factory in Europe and Corn Flakes factory in the world. It opened its doors on May 24, 1938.

Kellanova said the factory was too old to modernise and that lots of the buildings at the site are already unused. It would cost too much to modernise.

Kellanova's UK managing director Chris Silcock said: "We know generations of families have worked at our Trafford Park site, and the proposal we are announcing today has nothing to do with the dedication of the outstanding people who work there.

"However, we can't escape the fact the site opened in 1938. It's laid out in a way that made sense in the 1930s, with food travelling up and down six floors to be made. With changes in industrial design and technology, you just wouldn't lay out a factory like that nowadays.

"What's more we only use half the space in the buildings and the investment required to maintain the factory in the coming years is simply not viable. That's why we can’t currently see a long-term future for our Trafford Park factory.

"We know this will be difficult for many to hear and that's why we now want to focus on our people. We will take the necessary time to discuss our proposals with our people and their representatives and show them how we will support them in the right way should this change happen."

Stretford and Urmston MP Andrew Western said: "This would be a devastating loss to the people of Stretford and Urmston. Kellogg's has a long and proud history in the constituency and the site in Trafford Park has been an iconic part of our community for decades - with generations of local families working there.

"My first thoughts are with the staff that are affected by these deeply worrying proposals and I will reach out to the trade unions that represent them to offer any support that I can. There is now going to be a consultation process and I will remain in conversation with Kellogg’s in the sincere hope that they will reconsider closing this site."

Trafford council leader Tom Ross said: "Kellogg's has been part of the fabric of Trafford for decades and a key council partner, so this announcement is extremely disappointing and a real blow for everyone connected to the business and the local economy. We will continue the dialogue with Kellogg’s on their plans for the Trafford Park factory and will work closely with the senior management, their staff and other key partners to provide whatever help we can in the coming months."