Roberts Bakery is proposing to close its manufacturing facility in Ilkeston, Derbyshire.
The site, which is focused on production of speciality breads, currently employs 38 people.
The announcement comes just eight weeks after the family firm revealed it was looking to cut up to 250 jobs at its Northwich bakery in Cheshire due to significant challenges in the bread market and ongoing economic pressures.
Roberts described the latest decision as “difficult” but noted that it follows a comprehensive review of its product portfolio, overall footprint, and long-term business strategy.
“While the Ilkeston site has contributed significantly to the Roberts business over time, the review has concluded that the site is no longer aligned with the company’s future plans,” it added.
A formal consultation period will begin shortly, with all impacted to be fully supported with individual meetings and practical assistance to try and help them secure alternative employment opportunities within the local area.
Roberts also operates a biscuit factory in Winsford, Cheshire, which was established in the aftermath of a major fire at its Northwich bread plant in June 2023.
Insurance recoveries helped the 138-year-old company bounce back to profitability in its latest financial year to 31 August 2024. Despite its best efforts, however, Roberts admitted its bread volumes have not rebounded as anticipated with many customers seeking out and securing alternative supply contracts during the recovery period.
As of September 2024, it employed a workforce of 700 people across its three sites – the planned redundancies at Northwich and closure of the Ilkestone bakery could bring this total down by around 40%.
Roberts previously occupied fourth spot in the UK’s biggest bread brands, but has been overtaken by Geary’s Bakeries-owned Jason’s Sourdough, which is set to leap over Kingsmill as well and into third.
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