Greggs to shut four factories and cut 740 jobs
The company says it needs to "keep evolving alongside changing customer expectations".
Greggs to close four factories and eliminate 740 jobs
Greggs said the proposals would not affect its shops
High street bakery chain Greggs has revealed plans to shut four factories and cut 740 jobs.
It intends to close manufacturing sites at North Lakes near Penrith, Cumbria, Pettigrews in Kelso, Scotland, Seaham in County Durham and Enfield, Greater London, although distribution operations would continue from the Enfield site.
The proposals will also affect manufacturing operations at its Treforest site in Wales, but that location will also remain in use as a distribution centre for the business.
The Newcastle-headquartered chain said its retail shops would not be impacted by the proposed changes.
Greggs said the changes would be carried out over the next two-and-a-half years, with parts of its manufacturing processes moving elsewhere.
The range of products made at its Clydesmill Glasgow and Manchester sites would be reduced, and production of tinned bread at Gosforth would end.
Some products would also be sourced from specialist suppliers.
Chief executive Roisin Currie said the company needed to "keep evolving alongside changing customer expectations".
She said: "Greggs manufacturing and logistics network remains a key strength of the business, and these proposals are intended to strengthen our manufacturing network, improve efficiency and ensure we remain well placed for the future while continuing to deliver the quality, value and service our customers expect."
The company employs 33,000 people in the UK, most of them in its stores.
A consultation with staff is due to begin soon, and the company said "no final decisions" had yet been made.
The overhaul is expected to cost about £60m, including disruption costs and redundancy payments.
Greggs said the plans would save about £20m across the 2028 and 2029 financial years.
The retailer said sales rose 7.7% in the three months to September 26, compared with the same period a year earlier.
It said this showed progress despite "challenging market conditions", as consumer finances remained under pressure.
The company said strong trading and ongoing cost control meant it expected a "modestly improved outcome" for 2026.
Greggs opened 95 new shops and closed 38 in the year to date, bringing its total estate to 2,796 shops.