St Merryn Foods, a subsidiary of The 2 Sisters Food Group, is mulling to shut down its retail packing operations at its Merthyr Tydfil meat processing site in the UK.
The closure is expected to affect around 350 out of a total workforce of 1100 employees in the plant.
St Merryn Foods has confirmed that the strategic review was the only way for its business to survive and prosper for a longer term as reported by itv.
The company has also revealed that the changes would not be implemented until January 2017.
Usdaw (Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers), one of the UK’s biggest trade unions, called the news as devastating for the loyal and hardworking staff at the site, especially with Christmas around the corner.
Usdaw divisional officer Nick Ireland said: "Usdaw will be doing everything we can during the 45 day consultation process to look in detail at the proposals with a view to safeguarding jobs, maximising future employment at the Merthyr Tydfil site and securing the best deal possible for staff.
“We will be giving our members our full support, advice and representation during the consultation process."
St Merryn Foods said that the packing facility was no longer sustainable following the serious challenges the red meat sector is facing in the UK.
The meat processing company cited the declining markets, higher input costs, reducing volumes and an intensely competitive retail landscape as the factors for its decision.
Acquired by the Ranjit Boparan-owned The 2 Sisters Food Group in 2013, St Merryn Foods has been into packing of steaks and chops at the Merthyr Tydfil site facility.
