Historic Colman’s mustard site to close, affecting 113 jobs in city
A HISTORIC factory making Colman’s mustard is to close with the loss of jobs, dealing a “devastating” blow to the workforce.
Unilever said its site in Norwich will close by the end of 2019, although the company said it will protect the historic link between the city and Colman’s by retaining production of mustard powder, the mustard milling process and mint processing in a new facility in the area.
Manufacturing of other products will move to other sites in the UK, mainly Burton-on-Trent, while other work will switch to Germany.
The decision will affect 113 jobs, although 40 will transfer to Burton and around 25 roles will be created in the new facility near Norwich. Warren Kenny, of the GMB union, said: “This is absolutely devastating news for the workforce at Coleman’s, for the city of Norwich and for manufacturing in East Anglia.”
He said he would seek an urgent meeting with the company.
A Government spokesman said: “The Government is disappointed Unilever has decided to close its Norwich plant, though we welcome Unilever’s commitment to mustard milling and mint production in Norwich.
“While this decision is no reflection on the performance of the site’s highly skilled workforce, it is still clearly a worrying time for Unilever’s dedicated workers and their families.
“The company will now enter a consultation period and the Government will continue to work closely with Unilever, local MPs and unions throughout this process.”
Shadow Business Secretary Rebecca Long-Bailey said: “The closure is a blow not only to the workers at Colman’s and their families but to the town and region more generally.”