Around 100 workers at Greggs' factory in Treforest, south Wales, have been told their jobs are at risk as part of a major overhaul at the high street bakery chain.
On Wednesday Greggs announced it would shut four of its manufacturing sites in the UK, with around 740 jobs expected to go. The Treforest site, near Pontypridd, is affected by the proposals, with the chain planning to end all manufacturing operations there. The site will remain open and continue to operate as a distribution centre.
WalesOnline understands 101 workers at the Treforest site have been told they are at risk of redundancy. It has not been confirmed how many jobs will go.
Consultation process underway
The firm previously said the proposals will undergo a consultation process with affected workers and their union representatives. No final decisions have been made, the chain stressed.
The news of potential job losses sparked concern across Rhondda Cynon Taf, an area previously hit by large employers moving away.
Pontypridd MP Alex Davies-Jones said she is "deeply concerned" about any potential job losses in the area and will work to support those affected.
Plaid Cymru Senedd members for Pontypridd Cynon Merthyr Heledd Fychan, Lis McLean, and Sara Crowley described Greggs as an "important employer" in Treforest for many years, adding they were concerned about the potential loss of "good local jobs".
Union vows to fight proposals
The Bakers Food and Allied Workers Union (BFAWU) said it will fight the proposed restructure.
"The BFAWU is deeply concerned by today’s announcement from Greggs, which places hundreds of workers and their livelihoods at risk as part of proposed changes to the company’s manufacturing network," general secretary Sarah Woolley said.
"Our immediate priority is our members, their jobs, their families and the communities that could be affected by these proposals. Greggs is clear in its own announcement that the business continues to perform strongly, that more customers are choosing Greggs than ever before, and that it is investing significantly to support further growth.
"Against that backdrop our members will understandably be asking why their jobs and livelihoods should now be put at risk in the name of efficiency and future progression."
Manufacturing sites to close
The high street bakery chain said the proposed changes, which will take place over the next two and a half years, will see it relocate parts of its manufacturing process.
It plans to close its manufacturing sites at Enfield in Greater London, North Lakes near Penrith in Cumbria, Pettigrews in Kelso, Scotland, and Seaham, County Durham. It will continue to run distribution operations from Enfield. Greggs also said it will reduce the range of products manufactured at its Clydesmill Glasgow and Manchester locations, as well as stopping the manufacturing of tinned bread at Gosforth.
It said this will consolidate its manufacturing operations, with the firm set to source a small number of products from specialist suppliers. Greggs retail shops will not be affected by the changes.
Announcing the proposed restructure, chief executive Roisin Currie said: "To continue building a successful business for the future we must keep evolving alongside changing customer expectations. We want to ensure Greggs remains a strong, sustainable business for decades to come.
"Greggs manufacturing and logistics network remains a key strength of the business and these proposals are intended to strengthen our manufacturing network, improve efficiency, and ensure we remain well placed for the future while continuing to deliver the quality, value, and service our customers expect."
The shake-up will cost the firm around £60m including disruption costs and redundancy payments. It said the plans will save it around £20m across the 2028 and 2029 financial years.
