Kellogg's Trafford Park closure is 'huge blow' as Andy Burnham and council boss react

Kellogg’s’ decision to close its Trafford Park plant is ‘a very sad day’ and a ‘huge blow’ for the borough, according to city leaders.

Parent company Kellanova confirmed yesterday (May 16) that it will shut down the factory by the end of 2026, leading to 360 job losses. Bosses said they took the decision because ‘there isn’t a long-term future for the site’.

“It’s laid out in a way that made sense in the 1930s,” added UK Managing Director, Chris Silcock. “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.”

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Following the news, trade unions said they had ‘secured an enhanced redundancy package for those leaving the business’, according to USDAW area organiser Mick Murray. “[We] engaged in meaningful consultation talks with the company, where we interrogated their business case,” he explained. “Regrettably it became clear that the site is not fit for purpose and unable to accommodate modern manufacturing processes.”

The news has now been described as a ‘huge blow’ by Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham. In a statement issued on Friday (May 17), he said: “My thoughts first and foremost are with the employees and families affected by today’s announcement. The closure of the Kellogg’s factory is a huge blow for people in Trafford and the wider Greater Manchester economy.

“Working with the company, Trafford Council and trade unions, we explored every available option to keep the jobs in Greater Manchester. While it’s disappointing that this has not been possible, we have been able to agree a package which will see employees supported in the immediate term. The focus now will be on finding suitable opportunities for people taking redundancy.”

And Trafford council leader, Tom Ross, added it was ‘a very sad day for Trafford’. He said on Thursday: “This is a very sad day for Trafford and our thoughts are with all the employees of Kellogg’s and their families at this difficult time. Kellogg’s has been a cornerstone of Trafford Park for more than 80 years – they are part of our heritage and thousands of Trafford residents have worked there over the years.

“We are pleased that the unions have negotiated a substantial compensation package with Kellanova to support the employees. Our offer of support and advice remains open to any employee who needs assistance.”

A spokesperson for the authority also advised in need of assistance to email the council at employment@trafford.gov.uk. That offer has also been extended by Mr Murray, who said USDAW was ‘providing our members with the support, advice and representation at this difficult time through the individual consultations, where we will be seeking redeployment and retraining opportunities’.

Although 360 jobs are going in Trafford Park, staff at Kellanova’s MediaCity HQ and Wrexham factories are unaffected by the news.