This is absolutely devastating news for the workforce at Coleman’s, for the city of Norwich and for manufacturing in East Anglia, said GMB London and Eastern Region.
Unilever informed GMB last week that it intends to close its factory in Norwich in 2019.
Unilever has decided to move production of Colman’s mustard to Burton of Trent, and some to Germany, with a new facility opening in Norwich for milling mustard seeds, co-run with local farmers.
The closure of the factory will impact all 113 jobs, with 43 transferred to the site in Burton on Trent, 20 to the new facility in Norwich, and all other workers being made redundant.
Warren Kenny, GMB regional secretary, said: “This is absolutely devastating news for the workforce at Coleman’s, for the city of Norwich and for manufacturing in East Anglia.
“GMB has just heard the news and it is our immediate intention to speak with our members at Unilever and to seek an immediate meeting with the company and local elected representatives to fully understand what has lead Unilever to make this devastating decision, and whether there are alternatives that should, and must be considered.”
