KELLOGG'S' plans to close its Manchester factory will not affect the Wrexham site, it has been confirmed.

Kellanova has today (February 8), started formal discussions with colleagues and their union representatives at its Trafford Park factory about a proposal to close the site in three years’ time at the end of 2026.

Those plans will putting around 360 jobs there at possible risk.

The company, which owns both Kellogg’s and Pringles, cited the age of the almost 90-year-old facility, together with the large amount of redundant space in its buildings, as reasons for considering a closure.

However, the company has confirmed that its sites in both Wrexham (portable foods facility) and St. Helens (distribution centre) will be 'unaffected' by the announcement.

Kellanova’s UK Managing Director, Chris Silcock, said: “We know generations of families have worked at our Trafford Park site, and the proposal we are announcing today has nothing to do with the dedication of the outstanding people who work there.

“However, we can’t escape the fact the site opened in 1938.  It’s laid out in a way that made sense in the 1930s, with food travelling up and down six floors to be made.  With changes in industrial design and technology, you just wouldn’t lay out a factory like that nowadays."

TOP STORIES 

He added: "What’s more we only use half the space in the buildings and the investment required to maintain the factory in the coming years is simply not viable.

“That’s why we can’t currently see a long-term future for our Trafford Park factory.

“We know this will be difficult for many to hear and that’s why we now want to focus on our people. We will take the necessary time to discuss our proposals with our people and their representatives and show them how we will support them in the right way should this change happen."

The company has said that while it is reviewing its Trafford Park factory, Greater Manchester will remain its British home.

520 Kellanova jobs will remain in Greater Manchester. 

The company’s MediaCity office in Salford is unaffected by this proposal and will remain as the company’s UK headquarters and technology hub for Europe. 

Kellanova will now enter a period of detailed conversations and consultation with colleagues’ trade unions and employee representatives. 

The company expects these formal discussions to last around 90 days.

The company's site in Wrexham was the second unveiled by Kellogg's when it was first introduced.

It was officially opened by HRH Princess Alexandra on April 28, 1978.