News: Rotherham's Hovis plant set to close

A dominant feature of the Rotherham skyline looks set to change as the Hovis site in Canklow is earmarked for closure. In reporting their latest financial results, Premier Foods, the owner of Hovis stated: "Following a review of our flour milling operations we entered into consultation with employees regarding the proposed closure of our Rotherham mill, which, if agreed, will be scheduled to close by the end of 2008." The Yorkshire Post reports that 38 staff are affected by the decision with the group hoping to relocate a number of employees within the company. The adjacent distribution centre, which employs 35 people, will remain open. Premier reported that first-half sales for the group as a whole had risen by 7 per cent and that £15m had been spent to revive the struggling Hovis bread business. Sales in its baking and milling division rose by 16% year-on-year due to price rise across its bread and flour ranges. Sales of Hovis has stabilised over the first half of the year but at lower levels than during the same period in 2007. “Premier Foods is among many companies hit by rocketing wheat and energy prices,” said the director of the council’s Planning & Regeneration Service, Paul Woodcock. “We sympathise with the business sector in the current circumstances and are certainly glad to work with companies to see if there’s any help we can give, such as looking for more suitable premises, or helping redundant workers find new jobs. “It's sad to lose such a strong brand name from the borough, but we’re particularly sorry to see jobs go."
The Times article

Yorkshire Post article

The Star article
Rotherham