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Morrisons, the UK’s fourth-largest supermarket chain, has announced plans to close its Rathbones bakery manufacturing facility in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, putting 115 jobs at risk.
The decision follows a period of restructuring for the 28,000 sq ft site, which produces specialist items such as crumpets, pancakes, pitta bread and naan. While Morrisons originally considered closing the plant in late 2024, it opted instead to downsize operations to focus on niche products in a bid to reach breakeven by 2027. However, Myton Food Group, the retailer’s manufacturing arm, confirmed that “significant losses” have continued due to challenging market conditions, rising inflation and the loss of a major third-party contract.
A spokesperson for Myton Food Group stated: “Regrettably, having thoroughly reviewed all alternatives, we can no longer see a way back to breakeven and have taken the difficult decision to close the remaining facility”.
The move marks another step in the broader efforts of Morrisons, which was acquired by private equity firm Clayton, Dubilier & Rice in 2021 for £7 billion ($9.4 billion), to streamline its operations. The retailer confirmed that its in-store Market Street bakeries remain unaffected by the proposal.
Source: Just Food / British Baker
