- Author, By Jonny Humphries
- Role, BBC News, Manchester
Kellogg’s is to close its factory in Greater Manchester at the end of 2026 with the loss of about 360 jobs.
Kellanova, which runs the cereal giant, made the announcement after the end of three-month talks with union and employee representatives.
The firm said the negotiations had ended in a formal agreement with enhanced redundancy packages for staff at its Trafford Park plant and redeployment where possible.
Kellanova first announced the potential closure of the 90-year-old base in February, citing its age and a “large amount of redundant space”.
‘Simply not viable’
About one million boxes of cereals including Corn Flakes, Rice Krispies, and Coco Pops are made there every day.
Chris Silcock, UK managing director, said the closure was “nothing to do with the outstanding people” who work there.
“However, we remain clear there isn’t a long-term future for the site”, he said.
“It’s laid out in a way that made sense in the 1930s, with food travelling up and down six floors in a legacy manufacturing process.
“What’s more, we only use half the space in the buildings and the investment required to maintain the factory in the coming years is simply not viable.”
The company also shared a joint statement agreed with UNITE and The Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers.
It said: “Through collective consultation the company and employee representatives have agreed a substantial package which recognises our employees’ contribution and supports them to transition to life beyond Kellanova.”
Mr Silcock said the firm would soon begin exploring options for what will happen to the plant.
Kellanova said it would aim to keep Kellogg’s production volumes in the UK.
The company’s Wrexham factories and headquarters in Salford’s MediaCity, which currently employ about 1,000 people, will not be affected.