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2 Sisters' Wolverhampton plant saved from closure protecting 150 jobs

A chicken processing plant, which had been threatened with closure, will remain open.

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The 2 Sisters site in Wolverhampton which has been saved from closure

2 Sisters said its factory in Wolverhampton will not close, saving the jobs of 150 people.

The plant in Lincoln Street will also turn into a seven-day operation, a spokesman said.

The firm had said the plant, also known as Site E, was to close as part of a strategic review of its poultry manufacturing operations in February.

A plant in Bevan Way in Smethwick closed earlier this year, resulting in the loss of around 300 jobs.

Another 290 were redeployed to other sites.

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A spokesman said of the latest development: “We are pleased that after meaningful consultation we are now able to utilise Site E to develop a new customer base over the next few months and we will begin transition to a seven-day working operation.

"As a result the site will remain open and all jobs saved.”

The spokesman praised staff at the plant, and their union, Unite.

He said: “Colleagues at site have shown that they have both the skills and levels of commitment necessary to make this new venture successful.

“We would like to thank them for their patience and positive attitude demonstrated throughout an uncertain period.

"We would also wish to acknowledge the efforts of Unite in working in partnership with the company to secure jobs at Site E,” the spokesman added.

Unite national officer for food, Joe Clarke, said the union would do ‘everything it can’ to support members when the announcement of closure was initially made to the staff.

At the time the announcement was made he said: “Unite will be pressing the case for jobs and investment to save the three sites from closure.”