One of Cornwall ’s best known bakeries has blamed the decision to close a factory on “Brexit uncertainty”.
Cornwall Live yesterday reported how pasty giant Warrens is closing its factory in St Just, the company’s birthplace some 160 years ago.
As many as 80 jobs are thought to be at risk with a number of “loss-making” shops also to close.
The St Just factory has been open since the 1970s.
A company statement said: “In reaction to continued Brexit uncertainty and its ongoing consumer impact, we have taken the extremely hard decision to propose a restructure of the business.
“With sadness and a heavy heart, we are consulting with staff and examining streamlining options, which could lead to a significant loss of jobs throughout the West Country.
“With its configuration and remote location, our St Just manufacturing site, occupied since the 1970s, is no longer economically viable based on market influences. We are also consulting on the closure of a number of loss-making shops to safeguard the future of the wider business.”
(Image: Warrens Bakery)
The statement added: “By streamlining our portfolio, we will target the profitable segments of our business in food2go and café.
“Our increased focus will be in areas where we have seen continued success, including hospitals, travel hubs, strategically selected high street and destination sites.
“We remain committed to profitable manufacturing and will retain our site at Callington, while we will examine a variety of options to support our growth as a brand nationally, including in major airports.”
Warrens says its “1860 heritage product”, the Cornish pasty, will remain its signature item. However, they will expand their range further to “drive greater consumer interest in a changing world”.
The statement concluded: “We would like to thank our loyal staff and customers wholeheartedly for their continued support. We have been part of the West Country community for 160 years and, by implementing these proposed changes, we aim to serve the local economy for many years to come.”
In recent years Warrens has become the largest chain of bakeries in the South West with 50 shops in Cornwall, Devon and Somerset.
