Bernard Matthews Factory Closure Hits 80 Jobs

09 May 2014 --- UK poultry producer Bernard Matthews has announced it is closing its turkey processing plant in Lincolnshire with the loss of up to 80 jobs. The company acquired the Grainthorpe-based ‘Lincs Turkeys’ four years ago, but a dramatic fall in orders this Christmas led to a consultation, which confirmed the plant is no longer economically viable.

Processing requirements for Bernard Matthews will be integrated into its Norfolk and Suffolk sites.

Last month Bernard Matthews announced it was appointing a new managing director, in order to help revive sales after a loss of a reported £20m in 2013. The company has recruited Rob Burnett from Hain Daniels, owner of brands such as Linda McCartney, Sunpat, Johnson’s Juice and the New Covent Garden Soup Company.

Burnett takes over from David Joll, who has been acting as executive chairman since May last year when Noel Bartram stood down as group chief executive on health grounds.

The Lincs Turkeys farming operation is reported to be unaffected by the closure.