Kellogg's announces 360 jobs to be cut as cereal giant confirms closure of factory

The firm said that following the conclusion of formal talks with trade unions and employee representatives, a "mutual agreement" had been reached.

This includes an enhanced redundancy package and the commitment that redeployment will be offered to all employees "who want it", where it can be accommodated.

The business announced the factory could close in February this year.

Kellanova pointed to the age of the nearly 90-year-old site and a large amount of redundant space in its buildings on the 27-acre site as reasons for the closure.

UK Managing Director, Chris Silcock, said: “We want to acknowledge the professionalism of all colleagues at the factory during what we know have been some difficult discussions.

“When we announced our proposal earlier this year, we said it had nothing to do with the outstanding people who work at our factory.

"And, how everyone has chosen to conduct themselves over the last months has really brought this to life for us.

“However, we remain clear there isn’t a long-term future for the site.

"It’s laid out in a way that made sense in the 1930s, with food travelling up and down six floors in a legacy manufacturing process.

"What’s more, we only use half the space in the buildings and the investment required to maintain the factory in the coming years is simply not viable.”

Kellogg's said they aim to retain Manchester production volumes within the UK, as signalled when the proposals were announced earlier this year.

The company will share further information on plans later this year.

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The Kellogg's factories in Wrexham and its MediaCity headquarters in Salford, which currently employ around 1,000 people, are not impacted.

Silcock added: “We understand confirmation of something significant like a factory closure is never easy to hear and we will try to make it as smooth as possible.

"That means we’ll work with partners on things like outplacement support for our employees and, for the community, we will start to explore the long-term future of the site.”