Walkers crisp factory to close

Production is to be transferred to other sites, primarily those in Peterlee and Coventry. The closure of the plant, which produces Walkers snack products including Wotsits and Monster Munch, is a move to cut costs and time by shifting production nearer to distribution centres, the company said. "This will allow us to make cost savings on the snacks that are currently made in Swansea and enable us to distribute them more efficiently to retailers," said Walkers president Martin Glenn. The closure, which is to be phased in over six months, will result in the loss of 250 jobs in the region. The company, owned by PepsiCo subsidiary Frito-Lay, would not reveal the estimated cost of the plant closure. Walkers is currently brand leader in the UK crisp market, with sales boosted by the firm's premium Sensations brand. According to Mintel, between 2002 and 2004, sales of standard crisps declined in value by 7 per cent, whereas premium crisps increased in value by 15.8 per cent. External links to companies or organisations mentioned in thisstory: Walkers PepsiCo