Unite, the union representing workers at Vion’s Welsh Country Foods, has welcomed the firm’s interest in a potential management buyout of the lamb processing unit.
The company this week said it was evaluating plans for a management buyout of the Welsh Country Foods lamb processing business. The business was at risk of closure earlier this year after it lost its lamb supply contract with Asda. The UK retailer was a “key customer”, accounting for around 50% of the site’s business.
Go deeper with GlobalData
A potential management buyout, could save up to 350 jobs at the site.
Andy Richards, Unite Wales secretary said it remains Unite’s “priority” to ensure it saves as many jobs as possible and “secure the best possible future” for staff at the site.
“With this in mind, we of course welcome the management buy out proposal that has been put on the table,” Richards said. “We are committed to working with all relevant parties including the Welsh Government who we know are equally dedicated to supporting Welsh workers.”
The plant was purchased by Vion August 2008 when it acquired the Grampian Country Food Group.
In December last year, Vion finalised a deal for an MBO of its UK pork arm, which supplies private-label pork products to retailers in the country.
