Jobs to go as crisp factory shuts

Wednesbury crisp factory Red Mill Snack Foods Ltd is set to close next month, it was confirmed today.

In 2008 bosses said they would close the Globe Street factory and 300 jobs would go after losing a Pringles crisps contract.

The company said today that workers have just a few weeks left. It is expected the site will then be sold.

The factory, which produces Transform-A-Snack crisps and Mr Porky pork scratchings, is owned by Tayto Group.

It is moving production to Corby and some staff have already moved to the Northamptonshire plant.

Red Mill had been the subject of a review after losing a lucrative contract to produce Pringles Minis.

A statement released by the company said: "We have been working very hard to ensure that the original timescales we put in place are adhered to and I can confirm that to date most products have been transferred to the Corby site on schedule to meet that time frame for the planned closure.

"The complex nature of this site has resulted in some elements taking a little longer than expected.

"However, all employees have been kept informed of developments and have been advised that we are working towards a closure date of September.

"Staff are on a rolling, weekly contract and are updated on progress fortnightly by site management. Some of our staff have already transferred to Corby and that option is still available to all other staff."

Wednesbury North councillor Elaine Costigan, said: "It is a shame because we have had a bit of good news lately and you think the jobs situation is on the up and then you hear this so it is quite sad to hear.

"The company has always been very good over the years with charity so we will miss that."