Spanish baker Panrico has announced plans to close its production facility in Seville in a bid to “remain competitive”, resulting in 197 job losses.

The company said the closure, which will see production move from Seville to Panrico’s Puente Genil-based facility in Andalusia, is in keeping with its strategic plan to “optimise production units and remain competitive in the current economic crisis”.

As a result, Panrico said the move will affect 197 permanent positions. The firm said it has submitted a ‘Record of Employment Regulation’ to the relevant local labour authority with regard to the cuts.

“Now opens the period of negotiation with union representatives in order to address the situation,” a spokesperson said. “The production of this factory will be absorbed by other group plants in Spain. The primary objective is to ensure the survival Panrico Group and the largest number of jobs.”