Source: McCain Foods

The chip maker said it wanted to “optimise” its UK production

McCain Foods is set to slash 230 jobs from its UK operations.

The chip maker said it wanted to “optimise its network of production facilities”, significantly culling the workforce at its Grantham base. It will shortly begin a consultation with staff.

A spokesperson for the business said the decision had been made “after an extensive review of current and future requirements for the McCain UK business” and would help McCain “continue to be an efficient and customer-focused business that is fit for the future”.

No other McCain sites will be affected by the move. The business currently employs more than 1,600 people across the UK.

The move comes as sales of McCain’s frozen products have surged in the supermarkets over the past year, rising £9.7m (3%) to £334.8m [Nielsen 52 w/e 7 September 2019].

It recently ploughed £6m into new frozen brand Brew City, a range of nine SKUs – such as Halloumi Fries, Fiery Jalapeno Bottle Caps and Onion Straws – designed to pair specifically with craft beer.

Its latest financial results for the year ending 30 June 2018 show sales were up £45m to £511.5m, while operating profits rose £9.6m to £57.5m.