Kellogg's factory at Trafford Park to close with 360 jobs lost

More than 350 jobs are likely to be lost after cereal company Kellogg’s announced the closure of its Trafford Park plant.

The option of closing the plant, which dates back to the 1930s, was first signalled in February and now parent company Kellonova has confirmed that it will shut by the end of 2026. The company said that the factory’s age meant it did not have a long-term future.

The possibility of redeployment has been offered to staff while agreement has been reached with unions over an enhanced redundancy package for those leaving. The company has previously said that Greater Manchester “would remain its British home” as 520 staff at its MediaCity HQ and tech hub are unaffected.

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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.”

A statement from Unite and USDAW trade unions added: “Through collective consultation the company and employee representatives have agreed a substantial package which recognises our employees’ contribution to the Manchester Plant and supports them to transition to life beyond Kellanova.”

Andrew Western, MP for Stretford and Urmston, said: “I’m deeply disappointed by today’s news. The Kellogg’s site at Trafford Park has been an iconic part of our community for decades, with generations of local families working there. Its closure will be a huge loss for people in Stretford and Urmston.

“My first thoughts are with the staff affected. I’m pleased that through consultation with the unions an enhanced redundancy package and redeployment scheme has been agreed, but job losses are always incredibly difficult. I’ll continue to work with the unions and Kellanova to ensure the transition for staff at the Trafford Park site is as smooth and as fair as possible.”