Future of Midlands pie maker in jeopardy

- Published: 28 February, 2008

The future of a pie and pasty making plant in the Midlands is in doubt following a down turn in trade.

Management at the Apetito plant in Dudley have now entered into a consultation process with staff.

One of the options being considered is a closure of the plant where 80 people work.

Management have indicated that despite heavy investment the plant is not sufficiently profitable.

The trend to healthy eating - and the influence of TV chefs like Jamie Oliver - is being cited as the reason for the downturn.

A senior company spokesman commented : "The company is in a very early stage of its consultation period. Clearly, we haven't reached this position lightly and our immediate concern is for our loyal and hardworking workforce.

"Should closure prove to be unavoidable, we will look to redeploy as many people as possible within the business and work with them to identify employment opportunities across all areas of Apetito."

The Apetito group with plants across Europe is a major supplier of frozen dishes to the catering industry.