UK pork processor Tulip Limited is planning to close its pork processing plant in Tipton in the West Midlands, leading to the loss of more than 640 jobs.

The pork processing company made this decision due to a loss of £80 million in the year to the end of September, which followed a loss of £75.4 million in the year before, as reported in Express & Star.

Tulip is looking to shift its operations at the Tipton pork processing factory to its other plants in the UK.

As part of its operational review and business recovery plan, the company plans to explore multiple options for the Tipton pork processing plant.

A Tulip spokesperson, commenting on the Tipton pork processing factory closure said: “Tipton has a long history and is well established in the local area with many long-serving employees, however, the site itself requires significant investment and redevelopment to cater for future requirements while its location places severe restrictions on any further development.

“The business is keen to retain the experience and skills of the Tipton team where possible. Transfer opportunities to alternative Tulip sites will be explored thoroughly if the closure is confirmed and employees will be presented with a number of options as part of the consultation process.”

In response to the news, trade union Unite, which represents more than 200 members at the impacted pork processing plant, is looking to engage with Tulip’s management.

Rick Coyle – Unite regional officer said: “I will be seeking urgent talks with the management to see what can be done to save this site and also what redeployment opportunities there may be.

“Unite’s top priority will be the welfare of our members and their families at this difficult time. We will be giving them maximum support in the days and weeks ahead.”

Tulip was acquired by Brazilian food company Pilgrim’s Pride for nearly $354 million in 2019 from Danish food processing company Danish Crown.

  Meat industry news, Rick Coyle, Tipton, Tulip Limited, Unite the Union, United Kingdom