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Britvic to close Chelmsford factory Britvic to close Chelmsford factory and put hundreds out of work
(35 minutes later)
The maker of Robinson's squash Britvic has announced the closure of its factory in Chelmsford, where it was founded in the 19th Century, as part of plans to cut hundreds of jobs. Britvic is to close its factory in Chelmsford, the city where the company was founded in the 19th Century, as part of plans to cut hundreds of jobs.
The closure of the Fruit Shoot and J20 fruit drinks factory in the city will result in about 230 job losses. The closure of the Fruit Shoot and J20 fruit drinks plant will result in about 230 job losses.
The plans also include the closure of its Pennine Spring water factory in Huddersfield with 40 job losses. The plans include the closure of Britvic's Pennine Spring water factory in Huddersfield with 40 job losses.
A warehouse in Belfast employing 20 staff will also close. Britvic, the maker of Robinson's squash, is also shutting a warehouse in Belfast where 20 staff are employed.
The move is part of plans to merge its UK and Irish operations which could see 300 to 400 posts axed in total. The measures are part of the company's plans to merge its UK and Irish operations, which could mean a total of between 300 and 400 people losing their jobs.
The soft drinks giant announced cuts totalling £30m over three years as it reported a 50% surge in pre-tax profits to £37.5m for the 28 weeks to mid-April. The soft drinks firm announced cuts totalling £30m over three years as it reported a 50% surge in pre-tax profits, to £37.5m, for the 28 weeks to mid-April.
It said the cuts aim to improve returns for shareholders and come ahead of a Competition Commission decision on its merger with Irn-Bru owner AG Barr, expected by July. 'Regret' job cuts
It will then decide whether to go ahead with the deal. It said the cuts aimed to improve returns for shareholders and come ahead of a Competition Commission decision on its merger with Irn-Bru owner AG Barr, expected by July.
Last year Britvic moved its headquarters from Chelmsford to Hemel Hempstead in Hertfordshire and said remaining office staff will transfer to its new site, ending about 150 years' association with the city. Last year Britvic moved its headquarters from Chelmsford to Hemel Hempstead in Hertfordshire and said remaining office staff would transfer to its new site, ending an association with the Essex city of some 150 years.
Britvic, which takes its name from its predecessor the British Vitamin Products Company, has started a consultation with staff, with the affected sites to close in the first quarter of next year.
The Chelmsford factory was built in 1954 and makes soft drinks in cans, glass and plastic bottles. Work will transfer from there to sites in the UK, Ireland and France.
Britvic also has major operations in east London, Norwich and Leeds.
The Huddersfield site and natural spring were acquired in 2004 from lemonade-maker Ben Shaw's. Water is bottled there under the Drench and Pennine Spring brands.
A spokeswoman said Britvic would focus on Ballygowan, its Irish water brand.
Chief executive Simon Litherland said: "We regret the potential loss of jobs caused by the change and are committed to supporting affected employees.
"I am confident that the execution of this strategy will build a more successful Britvic and lead to a much stronger financial performance."