165 jobs to go as Anglian close Rochdale factory

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Anglian Group is closing its Rochdale factory with the loss of 165 jobs following a review of its manufacturing operations in the face of a downturn in consumer spending. The conclusion of the review was to consolidate all manufacturing in one location, Norwich, with the decision taken to close down the Rochdale site.

Anglian Group executive chairman David Rimmer said this month that the company needed to trim its workforce to combat rising costs and tougher market conditions.

In an update to Anglian's staff, Stig Hansen, managing director of Anglian Group's manufacturing division, said: “Anglian Group in common with other companies in the sector, is currently experiencing a downturn in sales and profitability in its new build and other markets as a result of the prevailing economic climate.

“It is therefore with regret that Anglian has announced the potential closure of its Rochdale factory with the loss of 165 jobs. The company will commence a redundancy consultation process with the Rochdale workforce with immediate effect.

“Prior to formalising the proposal to shut the Rochdale plant, the company also considered a number of other options to reduce manufacturing capacity including job losses in Norwich and a combination of job losses in both Rochdale and Norwich plants.”

Commenting on the job losses, Rochdale MP Paul Rowen said: “This is obviously very disappointing news for many people in Rochdale.  Unfortunately this is another sign of our economy slowing down but is no consolation for all the families affected.  I’m disappointed to see this dreadful news but in Rochdale, with Kingsway Business Park and the redevelopment of our Town Centre, there are huge job opportunities ahead.  My number one priority though is to protect jobs and attract in investment.  This is a huge blow but this will not stop us.”