Hundreds of job losses at Tulip

- Published: 19 March, 2007

Tulip Ltd has announced its intention to cease production of fresh pork and bacon at its factory in Thetford with the potential loss of around 350 jobs.

Tulip said despite significant investment in the Norfolk-based factory over recent years the company has not been able to make the Thetford operation profitable and as a result is now proposing to transfer production to its sites in Cornwall, Westerleigh and Tipton.

Tulip will continue to produce cooked bacon and fried products at Thetford.

Peter Judge, managing director of Tulip's North East division, said: "This is very sad news for everyone involved with the Thetford operation.

"However, the site has been losing money for sometime and whilst we have tried very hard to return it to profitability over recent years the site is over 40 years old and has inherent infrastructure and environmental issues that make it uncompetitive in today's marketplace.

"Our sector has significant over-capability and therefore consolidation is critical if we are to establish Tulip as the lowest cost producer in the UK.

"We have invested significantly in first class production facilities around the country and, as a result of the proposed consolidation, we will be able to offer our customers excellent facilities built around customer and consumer needs."

Management will now enter into a 90 day consultation period with Union representatives.

"Every idea put on the table will be explored," said a spokesman for the company, who confirmed this included transferring jobs to other sites.