A CHEESE company is inviting workers affected by the closure of the poultry plant on Anglesey to apply for jobs. 

Last month The 2 Sisters Food Group revealed they wanted to cease operations at their factory in Llangefni on Anglesey. This followed a review of the company's UK poultry division.

Now Joseph Heler Cheese, who acquired The Cheshire Cheese Company (CCC) last November, are offering potential jobs to 2 Sisters workers, if they are willing to travel. 

Heler Foods Packing which is located in Minffordd, a village situated betweem Porthmadog and Penrhyndeudraeth, posted on Facebook: "In light of the recent news that 2 Sisters Poultry Ltd are beginning staff consultations in relation to closing their Anglesey site, we would like to take this opportunity to offer support and potential job opportunities to the effected [sic] employees within the local community of Gwynedd and surrounding areas.

"Here at Heler Foods Packing, (Minffordd) due to business growth we are on the look out for talent from the food industry whether that be at operative, supervisory or management level."

More than 700 workers could be out of jobs if the closure of 2 Sisters goes ahead. 

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.

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.

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"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)

Anyone interested in jobs at Heler Foods Packing should visit their Facebook page or email swalker@helerfoods.com