200 workers face axe as Maple Leaf Bakery faces closure
More than 200 jobs are set to go at a Midland bakery after bosses announced that it faces closure.
More than 200 jobs are set to go at a Midland bakery after bosses announced that it faces closure.
Maple Leaf Bakery in Walsall will shut in February or March unless a new buyer can be found.
The site, which has been in Raleigh Street since the 1800s, produces Harvestime sliced loaves.
But owner, Maple Leaf Bakery UK, today confirmed it was pulling out of the sliced bread market. It will now focus on speciality breads, such as bagels, ciabattas and croissants, at a plant in Yorkshire.
A total of 236 people work at the plant and have now entered a 90-day consultation period.
Spokesman Paul Clipson said: "We have chosen not to stay in sliced bread, which is produced in Walsall. Sadly, that means we are pulling out of Walsall but we are actively looking for a buyer, with the hopes of transferring employment at the site. We are doing all we can to find a buyer and save employment."
