Subscribe to trusted local news
In a time of both misinformation and too much information, quality journalism is more crucial than ever. By subscribing, you can help us get the story right.
- Subscription costs less than £1 a week with an annual plan.
Already a subscriber? Log in here.
04
Jul
Future of Birstwith factory unclear as owner launches strategic review
The future of the Kerry food ingredients plant in Birstwith looks uncertain, as rumours circulate in the village about its possible closure.
The factory, which developed from the 19th-century village mill, is one of Nidderdale's biggest employers, with about 50 staff.
It operates across four integrated plants and produces a variety of products, including flour and rusk, mostly using locally grown wheat.
Birstwith Parish Council's chairman, David Fisher, met the plant’s site manager, Damian Wilkinson, yesterday to discuss the rumours.
In a Facebook post, Mr Fisher wrote:
Damian confirmed that the workforce had been advised that a strategic review of the future of the Mill was underway and that the full range of possible outcomes was being considered.
However, he stressed that a final detailed decision has yet to be made and a number of options are still being considered.
In the meantime, the Mill continues to operate as normal.
Kerry’s recognise the duty of care they have towards the workforce and they will ensure that it is the workforce that hears first once a final decision has been made. They have on-site support available for people should this be needed.
Kerry Group employs more than 23,000 people in more than 150 countries worldwide, with major manufacturing plants in Ireland, the US, Germany and China.
The Stray Ferret has contacted Kerry Group for comment.
0