Its warehouse is on the market for £2,850,000.
More than 150 jobs are at risk of redundancy as a major food pulls out of the town. Saputo Dairy UK, formerly known as Dairy Crest Limited, has placed its large distribution warehouse at Marston Trading Estate in Frome on the market for £2,850,000.
The firm told employees in 2022 that they were set to relocate its cheese packing operations from Somerset to its existing facility in Nuneaton. Around 170 employees in Frome are affected by this decision, but the firm says 180 new jobs are being created at its northern Warwickshire site.
A closure date has not been confirmed by the firm, but they believe it is expected to be in the first half of 2024 and the remaining employees will be made redundant. Marketed by Cooper and Tanner, the property agents confirm the premises has become “surplus to their requirements” and will be available with vacant possession following the decommissioning of machines.
The site comprises of warehouses, including cold stores and full-height stores, with two delivery bays, as well as purposely fitted production zones together with ancillary administrative areas and offices, welfare facilities and workshop accommodation.
A spokeswoman for Saputo said the decision was “not taken lightly” and believed that relocating its cheese packaging operations will protect the firm’s long-term future and decrease operational costs. Affected employees at the firm have been offered alternative work within the business.
A spokeswoman for Saputo Dairy UK said: “In 2022 we announced to employees the proposed relocation of cheese packing operations from our Frome site to our existing facility in Nuneaton. Collective consultation is currently underway so we cannot yet confirm when exactly the site will close although it is expected to be in the first half of 2024, when all remaining employees will be made redundant.
“Decisions such as this are never taken lightly. We believe that relocating these operations is right for the long-term future of Saputo Dairy UK as we maintain our efforts to pursue additional efficiencies and decrease costs while strengthening our market presence.
