Jobs face axe in closure

Almost 50 jobs are hanging in the balance at a Telford frozen food factory, it was revealed today.

Bosses at Dawn Fresh Foods, which owns Emile Tissot Foodservice factory at Stafford Park Industrial Estate, are proposing to close it next month.

It means the entire Telford workforce, 47 people, are facing redundancy.

Gerry Raftery, chief executive of Dawn Fresh Foods, today said they were unable to continue running two plants. It is proposed all manufacturing will be carried out at Tipperary plant.

Mr Raftery said: "Since the acquisition of the Emile Tissot business in 2004, major efforts have been made to develop and build the business along with making the production base as cost effective as possible.

"Despite these efforts and due to intense competition in the market, the plant has continued to operate at uneconomical levels.

"We recognise the staff at Telford factory have worked diligently and done everything in their power to make the plant efficient through the last four years. However, it is now necessary for the company to consider its future strategy and business plans.

"Unfortunately we have been unable to win sufficient extra business to justify the operation of two manufacturing plants.

"Therefore, it is with great regret the company must now propose the closure of the plant in Telford."