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10/02/2010
Kraft Confirms Cadbury Closure
Business Secretary Lord Mandelson has attacked Kraft Foods over it decision to close a Bristol-based Cadbury factory.
Kraft bought the chocolate manufacturer earlier this month, having pledged its commitment to the British brand.
However the US owned firmed has now confirmed operations in Bristol will cease next year with production transferred to Poland.
Cost bases in eastern Europe are more attractive, Kraft said. Around 400 UK jobs are expected to be lost as a result.
Kraft Foods chief executive Irene Rosenfeld met with Lord Mandelson last week, but stopped short of offering job security for all Cadbury employees.
Lord Mandelson was reportedly angered at today's news, given that the decision was very likely in the pipeline prior to their meeting.
"A week ago she would have known what announcement would be made, barely six days later," he said.
"It would have been more honest if it had been more straight forward and straight dealing with the company and the workforce and also with the government if she had told me what their intentions were."
Jennie Formby, from workers' union Unite, said Kraft's "dishonesty" was a concern for the future relationship between the company and Cadbury workers.
The UK-founded chocolate manufacturer currently employs 4,500 people across Britain.
Around 2,500 work at its historic Bournville factory in Birmingham, with a further 400 at its head offices in Uxbridge.
These operations are also expected to be streamlined to accrue savings.
(PR/BMcC)
Kraft bought the chocolate manufacturer earlier this month, having pledged its commitment to the British brand.
However the US owned firmed has now confirmed operations in Bristol will cease next year with production transferred to Poland.
Cost bases in eastern Europe are more attractive, Kraft said. Around 400 UK jobs are expected to be lost as a result.
Kraft Foods chief executive Irene Rosenfeld met with Lord Mandelson last week, but stopped short of offering job security for all Cadbury employees.
Lord Mandelson was reportedly angered at today's news, given that the decision was very likely in the pipeline prior to their meeting.
"A week ago she would have known what announcement would be made, barely six days later," he said.
"It would have been more honest if it had been more straight forward and straight dealing with the company and the workforce and also with the government if she had told me what their intentions were."
Jennie Formby, from workers' union Unite, said Kraft's "dishonesty" was a concern for the future relationship between the company and Cadbury workers.
The UK-founded chocolate manufacturer currently employs 4,500 people across Britain.
Around 2,500 work at its historic Bournville factory in Birmingham, with a further 400 at its head offices in Uxbridge.
These operations are also expected to be streamlined to accrue savings.
(PR/BMcC)
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03 February 2010
Mandelson 'Disappointed' In Kraft
Kraft Foods' failure to provide job assurances to Cadbury's UK staff has "disappointed" the Business Secretary. Lord Mandelson said the US company would not commit itself to managing the chocolate brands in Britain. He spoke after holding talks with Kraft Chief Executive Irene Rosenfeld.
Mandelson 'Disappointed' In Kraft
Kraft Foods' failure to provide job assurances to Cadbury's UK staff has "disappointed" the Business Secretary. Lord Mandelson said the US company would not commit itself to managing the chocolate brands in Britain. He spoke after holding talks with Kraft Chief Executive Irene Rosenfeld.
19 January 2010
American Firm Buys Cadbury
Directors at UK chocolate producer Cadbury have approved a £11.5bn ($18.9bn) buy-out deal by American food firm Kraft. Kraft said the deal would create a "global confectionery leader". However, fears have been raised over jobs at Cadbury's Bournville and Somerdale manufacturing sites.
American Firm Buys Cadbury
Directors at UK chocolate producer Cadbury have approved a £11.5bn ($18.9bn) buy-out deal by American food firm Kraft. Kraft said the deal would create a "global confectionery leader". However, fears have been raised over jobs at Cadbury's Bournville and Somerdale manufacturing sites.
02 February 2010
Cadbury Deal Closure Looms
Cadbury workers have called on the government to intervene in the takeover bid by a US foods firm. Shareholder of the chocolate produce have until lunchtime today to vote on a £11.5bn ($18.9bn) offer put forward by Kraft. Union members are concerned by the lack of guarantees over job security. Unite has lobbied ministers to back employee retention.
Cadbury Deal Closure Looms
Cadbury workers have called on the government to intervene in the takeover bid by a US foods firm. Shareholder of the chocolate produce have until lunchtime today to vote on a £11.5bn ($18.9bn) offer put forward by Kraft. Union members are concerned by the lack of guarantees over job security. Unite has lobbied ministers to back employee retention.
14 December 2009
Cadbury Defends Takeover Refusal
Chocolatier giant Cadbury has claimed an international food conglomerate attempted to buy it "on the cheap". Cadbury rejected Kraft Foods's hostile takeover bid last month, describing it as "derisory".
Cadbury Defends Takeover Refusal
Chocolatier giant Cadbury has claimed an international food conglomerate attempted to buy it "on the cheap". Cadbury rejected Kraft Foods's hostile takeover bid last month, describing it as "derisory".
05 January 2010
Diamond Jubilee Holiday Plans
The UK will enjoy an extra Bank Holiday in 2012 to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, it was announced today. A "nationwide celebration" will be held to honour the Queen's 60-year reign, Lord Mandelson said.
Diamond Jubilee Holiday Plans
The UK will enjoy an extra Bank Holiday in 2012 to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, it was announced today. A "nationwide celebration" will be held to honour the Queen's 60-year reign, Lord Mandelson said.
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