AROUND 40 jobs have been lost after a “premium” butchers in Aberdeenshire was sold to a firm in England, with staff warned that more redundancies could take place.
Donald Russell, a long-established business based in Inverurie that specialised in premium meat, had announced in February that it planned to close after rising costs left the firm “unable” to continue trading.
At the time, the business said that around 120 jobs at the site were at risk of being lost and that staff at the time had entered a statutory 45-day collective consultation process.
According to reports, around 40 jobs have been lost so far.
The other 80 roles have been transferred to the new owners, Dukeshill, who reportedly bought the business on Friday.
However, a 30-day redundancy consultation is still underway with those staff members.
Following the sale, Mark Gallagher, CEO of DukesHill and Donald Russell, confirmed the business would continue to operate as a standalone brand.
He said: “We’ve always admired Donald Russell and share many similarities; the same passion for creating the highest quality food, a belief that great food starts with responsible & ethical farming, and a focus on delivering exceptional customer service.
“Our priority now is on restoring Donald Russell operations, welcoming back its wonderful customers & suppliers, and investing in the long-term future of the Donald Russell brand.”
Last year, Donald Russell closed its cold storage distribution centre in Kintore, near Inverurie, in August last year, where around 70 people lost their jobs.
Founded in 1974, the butcher firm specialised in premium meat products, serving restaurants and other business customers.
The firm is a major local employer and also sells directly to customers via its online platform.
