2 Sisters to close Essex poultry factory
Food group 2 Sisters is to close its Essex chicken factory, resulting in the loss of more than 400 jobs.
The Birmingham-based business, which has chicken processing plants in West Bromwich and Wolverhampton, is closing the site in Witham.
The company, which employed 528 at the site, said 100 jobs would be redeployed to sites elsewhere in the eastern region.
The firm said it had been "a tough decision to cease operations".
In a statement, the company said: "Following our colleague consultation process, it is with regret that we can confirm the closure of our poultry processing site in Witham.
"Unfortunately, we have been unable to identify a viable alternative to closure. We anticipate that final production will finish by the end of August.
"We would like to reiterate that the tough decision to cease operations at Witham is no reflection on the colleagues at site who have been dedicated, loyal and hardworking, and we would like thank all for their professionalism during a very unsettling time."
2 Sisters said it would "work hard" to assist people find other local opportunities both within its wider group and with other employers.
