321 jobs will be created at two Young's Seafood factories in Grimsby

by - 25/05/2012

"A TOTAL of 321 jobs are to be created at two Young's Seafood factories in Grimsby.

The huge boost comes as the company consolidates operations from three corners of England into the town following a massive review of production by the fish processing g"

A TOTAL of 321 jobs are to be created at two Young's Seafood factories in Grimsby.

The huge boost comes as the company consolidates operations from three corners of England into the town following a massive review of production by the fish processing giant.

Facilities in Seaham, Whitehaven and Cromer are to close as Europe's Food Town's credentials come to the fore, with the company's famous "via Grimsby" strapline never more true.

Production of seafood will be expanded at both the Humberstone Road and Marsden Road factories, with the 776 staff currently employed to be swelled to well over 1,000. The move was anticipated in a Grimsby Telegraph report on Wednesday, following the announcement earlier this week that the two plants in the far north were to close, with volumes moving to existing facilities.

Those facing redundancy in the North East, North West and East Anglia will be given priority over the jobs, but the nature of the work and the distance to move will mean it is likely the local labour pool will benefit massively.

Leendert den Hollander, chief executive of Young's Seafood Ltd, said: "Our footprint consolidation is about achieving the most robust and sustainable manufacturing operating model for the long-term.

"We have made some tough choices as we have adjusted to the economic environment and to achieve our long-term objectives.

"While we recognise that the general economic environment remains challenging, we are confident that we are taking the necessary steps for the future."

After an eight-month consultation in Cromer, all shellfish processing with the exception of the Cromer crab will move to North East Lincolnshire, with bosses stating that "Young's factories in Grimsby offer the most financially viable and sustainable option".

Factors considered included both short and long term costs, financial sustainability, quality and technical requirements, and the manufacturing capabilities of the site.

A total of 109 jobs will go there this summer, on top of the 380 announced at Seaham and Whitehaven.

Councillor Chris Shaw, leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, said: "Young's is a long established food manufacturing business and major employer based in Grimsby.

"We appreciate the company has had to make difficult decisions and are of course sympathetic to anyone affected by this announcement.

"However, we are delighted that Young's is supportive of this area's food manufacturing offer and we will continue to work closely with them during their transfer of operations to Grimsby."

Jason Longhurst, the authority's head of development, said: "We have developed a close working relationship with Young's and news like this demonstrates the strength of our food manufacturing base and that North East Lincolnshire is a place of opportunity both for new and existing businesses.

"The move by Young's is a vote of confidence in North East Lincolnshire's seafood manufacturing sector and the significant job creation, combined with recent announcements about Morrisons and the Mariner Foods site, are a welcome boost to our economy."

Steve Norton, chief executive of Grimsby Fish Merchants' Association, said: "This is fantastic news. Great for Grimsby and great for our industry.

"This not only addresses the balance of the 337 jobs lost at Kerry Foods, but puts us some way into the black, which is very good indeed. It is testament to the success of Grimsby as a centre for seafood processing."

Recruitment agency Stafforce will handle the bulk of the jobs, phased over the next six weeks, with the Hainton Avenue branch having been dedicated to the seafood giant for several years.

Tony Boorman, director, said he had already placed around 50 Kerry Foods workers, prior to the announcement.

"There are so many opportunities coming to Grimsby," he said.

"Young's is a key business in Grimsby, a massive brand. It is always innovating and creating opportunities.

"There will be various roles in manufacturing, semi-skilled roles, administrative roles and management positions."

More than 130 jobs are being created by Morrisons on Europarc, with Sealincs Ltd looking to add a further 100 in the next year at the Mariner Foods plant it is reopening on Great Grimsby Business Park.

Kerry Group also intends to reintroduce food production to the huge factory it is retaining, despite shedding 337 jobs earlier this month.

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Anyone interested in the 321 jobs, should call 01472 350120.

More Details: http://www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk/321-jobs-created-Young-s-Seafood-factories/story-16183986-detail/story.html