Mars Petcare UK plans to axe scores of jobs

Mars Petcare UK has told staff it plans to shed 64 positions on its Melton production line in Leicestershire.

According to a report in the Leicester Mercury, a consultation with the workforce is now underway.

The business employs about 300 people at the plant in Mill Street, Melton, manufacturing well-known brands such as Pedigree, Whiskas and Chappie.

The redundancies are on the tinned pet food production line.

It is understood the changes are being made to manufacturing as consumers move away from traditional tins to more convenient pouches.

Chris Sackree, plant manager, told the Leicester Mercury: "We have proposed a restructure relating to our canning line, to ensure that our factory in Melton Mowbray remains fit for the future.

"Our priority at this time is supporting our associates who are aware of the proposal and are taking part in a consultation process.

"A final decision on the restructure will be made following this period of consultation."

The wider Mars company is one of the biggest private, family-owned businesses in the world, and has been operating in the UK for more than 80 years.

It employs more than 4,000 people across 12 sites nationwide.

As well as the factory in Melton, there is a pet nutrition research facility a couple of miles away in Waltham on the Wolds.

Latest accounts for Mars Petcare UK, posted at Companies House, show profits after tax for 2015 were £32.7 million, compared to £30.7 million a year earlier. Turnover was down slightly to £518 million.

The 2015 annual report said: "Sales declined, but the business is well placed due to investment into the products, brands, processes, and consumer relationships."

The accounts said the petcare business employed 1,052 people, including 437 in production, and had a wage and pensions bill of £100 million.