5 Nov, 2008 - Following a detailed year-long review of its supply chain, Carlsberg UK today announces a proposal to close their Leeds brewery in 2011. Consultation with the 170 employees affected will begin immediately.
Carlsberg UK needs to maximise efficiency in order to remain competitive in the face of increasingly challenging market conditions resulting from falling consumption, higher duties, input inflation and regulatory pressure. Unfortunately, in this environment it can no longer justify running two major breweries in the UK.
If the proposal goes ahead, Carlsberg UK will seek opportunities to redeploy affected employees in other roles within the business where possible and will also provide training and outplacement support to help them find new employment.
Nick Webb, Supply Chain Director of Carlsberg UK, said: “We are announcing the closure proposal more than two years in advance so that our employees are able to prepare for the future. We have to consider difficult decisions to remain competitive in the current environment and we regret the risk to the jobs of our employees.
"Although the business has remained robust in tough market conditions, this proposed move is vital to ensure Carlsberg UK remains a strong and sustainable business in the future. Throughout the transition, customers will continue to enjoy the usual high level of service from the company."