Bernard Matthews confirms closure of city factory

Bernard Matthews has announced the impending closure of its Derby manufacturing plant.

The British food corporation cited "significant financial losses" as the reason for shutting down its processing facility on Shaftesbury Street South by the close of 2026.

A company representative stated that the decision was reached after consultations with "employee and union representatives."

This closure follows a similar move two years prior, when the company revealed plans to close a plant at its Great Witchingham, Norfolk headquarters, the original site of its founder's business.

In a statement released on Thursday, the company attributed its financial difficulties to "external economic challenges." A spokesperson elaborated, "This decision follows continued significant financial losses, alongside a range of external economic challenges and the geopolitical environment, including Brexit, Covid, and conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, which have all contributed to significantly impacting the site and its supply chain."

The company affirmed its commitment to assisting affected employees, stating, "The company will support impacted employees through potential redeployment opportunities across the wider business, and engagement with local organisations to explore alternative employment options."

The Bernard Matthews brand gained widespread recognition in the 1960s when its founder, Bernard Matthews, was recognized by the Guinness Book of Records as Europe's largest turkey farmer. Matthews was famous for his "bootiful" catchphrase, and his success led to an expansion of turkey-based products, including the popular Turkey Twizzlers. He passed away in 2010 on the day of the US Thanksgiving holiday.

According to the company's website, it continues to operate processing and production facilities in Sunderland and Holton, Suffolk.

Trade union Unite has been approached for comment.