A Wirral chocolate factory could shut down with jobs put at risk in “shocking” news for the community.
Barry Callebaut, a Swiss firm which runs a chocolate factory on part of the plot once home to Moreton’s Cadbury’s factory, said it has started a consultation process on the potential closure of its site on Pasture Road. In 2018, Barry Callebaut acquired the Burton’s Biscuit Company site in Moreton, 32 years after Burton’s bought it from Cadbury's.
But the firm may now close the site. Cllr Karl Greaney, who represents Leasowe and Moreton East, said: “It is very shocking to hear of the [potential] closure of this important local employer and the subsequent impact it will make on the local people directly employed but also on local businesses, who will be affected by any closure.”
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The Independent councillor added: “Local people have been through many decades employed at this historical site and it is very sad to see how this once famous local site and employer has now virtually disappeared. Where I can, I will offer to provide any assistance to local residents affected by this.”
Barry Callebaut said there has been a significant decrease in customer requirements and volume in Moreton and due to the equipment and operational restrictions, the site cannot meet the operational costs needed to ensure the correct economies of scale.
There are 45 permanent employees and 19 agency employees currently working at the Moreton site. But Barry Callebaut said as part of the consultation process, it will consider all alternatives to a site closure and compulsory redundancies and where possible, avoid compulsory redundancies through redeployment or other identified measures. The firm said the move is about ensuring it can operate profitably and compete in the marketplace of the future.
Cllr Max Booth, who represents Moreton West and Saughall Massie for the Conservatives, said a closure of the factory would be a big loss to the community. He added while it was great to see new vibrant businesses opening in Moreton he did not want to see the old established ones leave.
A spokesperson for Barry Callebaut said: “As part of Barry Callebaut’s strategy to continuously improve its operational efficiency and to better balance production capacity and demand in the UK, the Group has started a consultation process on the potential closure of its chocolate factory in Moreton. This is not a course of action that has been taken lightly. Barry Callebaut has strong foundations for growth and the UK will remain a key market for future investment.
“We understand that this will be a concerning time for all those that will be affected by this announcement and their families, and we will be supporting them through this difficult period.”
