MORE than 700 jobs at a chicken factory on Anglesey are at risk. 

The 2 Sisters Food Group plan to cease operations at their factory in Llangefni. This follows a review of the company's UK poultry division.

In a statement, the 2 Sisters Food Group said: "We need to make operational changes to help us overcome the continuing challenges facing the food manufacturing sector.

"Regrettably, the review shows our Llangefni factory is not sustainable. It is old, one of our smallest sites and lacking space to be efficient. The cost to produce here is higher, and it would require significant investment to bring it up to the standards of our other factories. Our products can be made more efficiently elsewhere across our estate.

"Therefore our proposal is to cease operations at the factory, putting the site at risk of closure.

"Clearly this will be extremely disappointing news for our Llangefni colleagues, and it is no reflection of their continuing hard work and commitment. However, we have a duty to remain competitive and protect our wider business on which many thousands of people depend. 

"Our key priority now is to hold meaningful consultations with all affected employees and their representatives and explore the full range of options before making any final decisions about the closure of the site.

"These options will include all redeployment opportunities in the region with the help of all relevant support agencies, both inside and outside the business."

With its 730 employees, Llangefni is one of the smallest factories in 2 Sisters’ poultry division.

2 Sisters acquired the factory in June 2013 following the UK exit of Dutch protein company Vion.

2 Sisters Food Group Ltd’s latest Companies House published accounts (year to July 31 2021) show a £95.5m loss; and a pre-exceptional loss of £44.9m, from respective losses of £34.3m and £4.6m the previous year (e July 31 2020)

Virginia Crosbie, MP for Ynys Môn, said: "This is devastating news for all those employees who are threatened with redundancy at the 2 Sisters factory in Llangefni. 

"I was briefed by the company this morning (Jnaury 25) and it appears it has been badly affected by a range of issues with energy cost rises in April being a major part of the decision to consult on a closure to protect other parts of the business.

"I will be speaking to the unions very soon and I would support a task group being set up to help navigate what is happening and what could happen, if the factory closes.

"I am also meeting with the chancellor this morning and I will be raising what is happening on the island with him as a matter of urgency.

"In the meantime, I will do all I can to work with the company, the unions and the council as this process takes place."

Rhun ap Iorwerth, MS for Ynys Môn, said: "The news that 2 Sisters has decided to start a consultation on closing its plant in Llangefni is truly devastating and my thoughts go out to the more than 700 staff who’ve been informed that their jobs are at risk.

“I've tabled an emergency question to be discussed in the Senedd this afternoon. Intense and urgent action will be required from the Welsh Government in response to this announcement.

"Firstly, everything has to be done to see if it is possible to change the company's minds in the first place, of course, and to save jobs - or as many as possible - but following today's conversation I wouldn't want to raise hopes.

"I will fight for as much help as possible for the workers, working with the Welsh Government and Anglesey Council.”