Young's Seafood is analysing how to keep crab processing in Norfolk. (Photo: Stock File)
Young's responds to public outcry, tries to prevent plant closure
(UNITED KINGDOM, 11/2/2011)
Young's Seafood this week announced it is trying to figure out how to keep crab processing in Norfolk instead of moving it to Grimsby or Scotland. Still, the plan would only safeguard the jobs of 20 locals.
In the original announcement, made in September, Young’s said it may shut down its Cromer base entirely – which could have left 230 people out of work.
Even now, the jobs for most staff members remain precarious while Young's continues to go over its manufacturing operations, BBC reports.
These plans will be talked over as part of a staff consultation period.
Young's originally wanted to close the plant due to inflation, over-capacity in the industry, competition and pressure on margins from promotions, Just-Food reports.
Young's Norfolk plant is called the Cromer Crab Company, but local crabs and lobsters really only make up 2 per cent of the factory's GBP 65 million (EUR 74.5 million) turnover, the company clarified.
Most of its operations span the processing of prawns and other shellfish imported from around the world.
"We welcome the interest in Cromer crab as it highlights how much of a high quality, iconic shellfish it is and its importance to the local community,” Young's Chief Operating Officer Pete Ward said. "The consultation is under way and we are continuing to explore all options and alternatives raised.”
"Working closely with a number of stakeholders, we are now looking at ways to keep Cromer crab branded items in Cromer and we will not move these lines to either Grimsby or Scotland," he added.
The firm’s move was likely impacted by a petition of 6,500 signatures against the Norfolk plant's closure from the Keep it Cromer campaign, which was received before Monday's meeting with shareholders. The meeting was attended by representatives from the protest group plus local MPs and councillors.
Following Monday’s meeting, Norman Lamb, MP for North Norfolk, said there was "cautious optimism" about the announcement, but he thought there was still "something worth fighting for."
Sam Rushworth, from the Keep It Cromer Campaign, believes the news prove that Young's is "certainly listening" and the petition had achieved its purpose, although he said there was "still a long way to go" with discussions.
Young's review of its shellfish manufacturing operations comes after the merger of Young's, Findus UK and Ireland and The Seafood Company.
Related article:
- Young's Seafood plant enters 90-day consultation period
By Natalia Real
[email protected]
www.seafood.media
Information of the company:
Address:
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Ross House, Wickham Road
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City:
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Grimsby
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State/ZIP:
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England (DN31 3SW)
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Country:
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United Kingdom
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Phone:
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+44 1472 585 858
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E-Mail:
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[email protected]
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Approval / Accreditation / Certified / Oversight by...
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