KP Snacks is axing jobs at the Tyrrells factory near Leominster as it stops selling its products direct to customers.
The British snacks giant has confirmed seven roles are going at the site between Leominster and Dilwyn as it cuts local van distribution and telesales on August 31.
A spokesperson said demand for the services has fallen as customers source products through wholesale and cash-and-carry channels instead.
The decision to end those operations, which the spokesperson said account for less than 3 per cent of total Tyrrells sales, would not affect manufacturing.
“The Tyrrells brand continues to perform strongly, and our Leominster facility will continue to produce Tyrrells crisps for sale across the UK,” they said.
Seven people are being made redundant, KP Snacks said (Image: Supplied)
“Seven roles have been affected. Throughout the process, we have worked closely with colleagues and sought alternative opportunities within the business wherever possible.
“One colleague has already secured a full-time role at the site, and we continue to explore suitable opportunities across KP Snacks for the remaining individuals. As things stand, six colleagues are expected to leave the business as a result of redundancy.
“Leominster remains an important site for Tyrrells and KP Snacks, employing more than 120 colleagues. We would like to thank those affected for their valued contribution and commitment to the business over many years.”
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The iconic Herefordshire brand, which sells its crisps in dozens of countries, was founded by farmer William Chase in 2002 before he sold it six years later for nearly £40million.
KP Snacks then brought the brand in 2018 and earlier this year announced plans to close its factory in Uttoxeter, Staffordshire. It came as a result of deciding to axe its vegetable crisps, blaming “sustained decline in demand and the loss of key export volumes”.
After Mr Chase sold the brand, he founded Chase Distillery before it was taken over by international drinks giant Diageo in 2020, with production being moved to Scotland. His latest venture is Willy’s apple cider vinegar.
