Mars factory to ‘shed 400 jobs’
Confectionery giant Mars is cutting 400 jobs from its main UK factory as production is moved overseas, union sources claim.
Work at the plant in Slough, Berkshire, stopped for the first time since 1932 as staff were told.
A Mars spokeswoman refused to confirm the reports, but said a statement would be released later on Thursday.
Union officials said the company had told staff it wanted to become more cost effective.
Frank Loveday, regional officer of the Bakers, Food and Allied Workers’ Union, said production of Twix bars would move to France and Germany, while Starburst sweets would be made in the Czech Republic.
The plant, which employs about 1,500 people, will still make Mars bars, Maltesers and Snickers.
Mr Loveday criticised the company for refusing to deal with unions.
“The company made £140m last year and just wants to make more. The managers have also been given huge pay increases. It is sick.
“The workers are in a state of shock because there has always been a feeling there would never be big job losses.”
The company began in 1911 in the United States when Frank Mars and his wife Ethel began making butter-cream candies in their home.
The brand sells in more than 100 countries and has an annual turnover of $14bn.
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