Border Laird takeover questioned
Questions are being asked about the takeover of the Border Laird factory, while the town adjusts to the loss of another 31 jobs.
The Amble factory produces fish cakes and processes langoustines. Previous owners Cumbrian Seafoods went into administration in December 2011 and then customer contracts and equipment were acquired by Lion Capital which also owns Young’s Seafoods Ltd.
Almost immediately, problems were encountered which were described as “serious product quality issues in the fish cake produced at the factory.”
As a result, one part of the fish cake production process was moved to Grimsby.
In February, 31 Border Laird employees were made redundant as part of restructuring at the factory.
Sir Alan Beith MP and Northumberland County Council have voiced their concerns for the future of the remaining workers at the factory and vowed to do all they can to safeguard jobs.
Graham Adams, NCC’s Business Development Manager told us:
“We are in contact with Young’s Seafoods about the Border Laird’s business activity at Amble and they are keeping their staff well appraised of the situation.”
However he added: “We understand the Office of Fair Trading is conducting a review of the takeover by Young’s Seafoods of the Cumbrian Seafoods business and will have to decide whether to refer the matter to the Competition Commission.
“We will continue our dialogue with Young’s Seafoods and do all we can to ensure that activity remains at Amble.”
Pete Ward, Chief Operating Officer of Young’s Seafood Limited, praised the workers at Border Laird. “They have worked hard during this challenging time and are a huge credit to the whole workforce.”
