2 Sisters Llangefni: Consultation finds no viable plans to maintain production at site

The manufacturer announced plans to close the site at the end of January and that it would enter into meaningful consultation with affected employees and representatives prior to making a final decision.

However, 2 Sisters told Welsh Government that its first stage consultation over the future of the site did not bring forward any viable plans to maintain production at the plant.

In a statement published at the beginning of the consultation, a spokesman for the poultry processor said the Llangefni site – one of the manufacturer’s oldest – was no longer sustainable.

Inefficient product​

“The cost to produce here is higher, and it would require significant investment to bring it up to the standards of our other factories,”​ said the spokesman. “Our products can be made more efficiently elsewhere across our estate.​

“Clearly this will be extremely disappointing news for our Llangefni colleagues, and it is no reflection of their continuing hard work and commitment. However, we have a duty to remain competitive and protect our wider business on which many thousands of people depend.”​

Members of the Welsh Government, DWP, Business Wales and trade union representatives formed a taskforce in response to 2 Sisters’ plans at the start of February.

Support for impacted workers ​

In a statement, the task force said it would continue to meet weekly to manage the fallout of the factory closure: “Their primary focus remains identifying and co-ordinating as much assistance as possible to support the workers impacted as a result of the closure, both in terms of securing future employment and their wellbeing.”​

“The Welsh Government will continue to work with the UK Government, Anglesey Council, trades unions and other stakeholders to support the individuals and the local community.”​

2 Sisters said it was to continue its "positive engagement​" with the taskforce and that its central focus at this stage was "to partner with all agencies to support colleagues and explore every avenue in helping them now and after the consultation period".​

Meanwhile, seafood supplier Cook & Lucas Frozen (UK) Ltd entered into administration last month​​ after suddenly closing down at the beginning of the year.