Jobs to go as drinks firm closes site

Britvic is closing its Huddersfield plant

Up to 400 jobs are expected to be lost in total as the company proposes to close other sites, in Chelmsford (227 jobs) and in Belfast (20 jobs).

The decision follows a review of the business which identified efficiency savings designed to keep it competitive, said a company spokeswoman.

A consultation period has started for those affected by the proposed job losses.

The Huddersfield plant produces two drinks products, Drench and Pennine Spring. It is located on Willow Lane, which is off St John’s Road, Birkby. It is proposed for closure early in 2014.

Britvic currently employs 2,700 people in Great Britain and Ireland.

The company spokeswoman said the cost-cutting plans would save it £30m a year from 2016.

Last night Kirklees Council leader Mehboob Khan said the decision was a blow for the town.

“This is bad news. Soft drinks have been manufactured from this location for over 100 years, and a couple of years ago Britvic gave a commitment to continue production for the long term.

“The location has an artesian well which provides an unlimited free water supply and I hope that an entrepreneur could establish a new drinks company on this site.”