Flintshire-based Brookfield Foods has been forced to reduce its workforce by 70 due to soaring input costs.
The firm, which produces cooked meats and employs 400 staff, has been hit by the rising price of cereal, used in animal rearing. This is coupled with its recent loss of a key contract.
The cutbacks are expected to be made by August, with additional job losses likely to occur at Yorkshire parent company Cranswick Convenience Foods.
Chief executive of Cranswick Convenience Foods, Bernard Hoggarth, said “human casualties” were undoubtedly to follow as a result of the restructuring.
“It’s always difficult when families and livelihoods are involved but we have to try and put a positive slant on it and we have had 25 years of unbridled growth in the business,” he added.
The company is now carrying out a consultation period with employees.
