VION to Restructure UK Sausage Processing Operations

The Broxburn site could accommodate all of Sheffield’s production, as well as offer the potential for further expansion in the years ahead. As a result of the proposed re-structure, the VION Sheffield site is at risk of closure, with 205 roles potentially affected.

4/20/2011 --- VION has announced proposals to re-structure its sausage processing business that would result in the transfer of all operations currently undertaken at the Sheffield site to VION Hall’s in Broxburn, West Lothian.              

The prevailing economic and trading climate continues to be extremely challenging, with competition for business becoming increasingly fierce. The review of VION operations is a continuous process, to ensure that we maintain our focus on quality and on operational efficiency, and to ensure the long-term sustainability of the business.

Both the Sheffield and Broxburn sites are under-utilised and operate significantly below capacity, which impacts on operational costs. The Broxburn site could accommodate all of Sheffield’s production, as well as offer the potential for further expansion in the years ahead. As a result of the proposed re-structure, the VION Sheffield site is at risk of closure, with 205 roles potentially affected.

Steve Francis, Managing Director of VION’s UK Pork business unit said, “We regret the need for these changes in our activities announced today and have informed our employees and their Union representatives of our commitment to consult with them. We are intent that consultation will be as productive as possible, and we will be looking for every opportunity to mitigate against job losses. The business will be listening and investigating all alternative proposals and will take every step to support all employees during this difficult period. The commitment from the team at Sheffield has never been in question.”
 
VION Food Group Ltd, the UK arm of VION N.V., produces and processes high quality beef, lamb, pork, bacon and chicken as well as a wide range of convenience products such as sausages, cooked meats and added value cooked chicken. The UK operation has extensive facilities across the UK from farms and hatcheries to primary production, processing and packing, and supplies products according to customer and market demands. The business is primarily focused on the UK retail market but also includes important foodservice and wholesale clients within its portfolio.