Bernard Matthews has reversed its decision to close its Derby turkey processing site after having secured a “new anchor customer”.
According to the Boparan Private Office-owned firm, the development provides the demand needed to keep the site open and saves 400 jobs which were previously at risk.
The business said the agreement would also give the facility “a renewed platform for further growth” and a “more sustainable future”.
Bernard Matthews had announced in August that the site would be closing due to “continued significant losses”.
Now, “the site’s focus now is on stabilising the Derby team following this period of uncertainty and embedding the site’s new customer, under the leadership of 2 Sisters Food Group,” the business said.
However, the revised operating model means that the site will need to re-enter consultation with 100 to 150 roles remaining at risk of redundancy.
The decision to reverse the site’s closure comes after a review and engagement with employee and union representatives.
The company also worked with Derby South MP Baggy Shanker and regional USDAW representative Sharon Khiari.
“We are pleased to confirm that the Derby site will remain operational, and securing this new customer provides a stronger foundation from which to build a sustainable future,” a Bernard Matthews spokesperson said. “We would like to thank our union and employee representatives for their support and constructive engagement throughout this process, and we are grateful to Baggy Shanker MP for his continued support.”
Shanker said the decision was a “huge relief for hundreds of workers and their families and positive news for Derby”.
“Keeping around 400 people in work is an important outcome,” he added. ”This agreement provides a strong foundation for the future of the site, supporting continued investment and secure jobs in Derby for years to come.”
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