Morrisons has confirmed major closure plans in a blow to dozens of workers employed in an iconic 100-year old bakery, in a move that will see a famous bakery brand leave shop shelves.
The supermarket giant has announced it will shut down its Rathbones Bakery facility in Wakefield, placing 115 workers at risk of losing their jobs, in another hit to the economy.
This decision from Morrisons marks the second time within two years that closure plans have been revealed for the site as the retailer continues with its ongoing restructuring plans.
The bakery narrowly avoided being shut in November 2024 when it was operating on the verge of closure. Following a restructuring process, the facility remained operational but at a significantly reduced capacity.
Morrisons has made a closure announcement
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Despite these earlier efforts to salvage the business, the site has continued to struggle financially, prompting the latest announcement from the retailer.
As part of the restructuring, the bakery abandoned white bread production entirely, pivoting instead to specialty items including pita bread, crumpets, pancakes, and rolls.
According to The Grocer, earlier projections from the business had suggested the operation could achieve breakeven status by 2027.
Those hopes have now been dashed. Morrisons informed The Grocer that despite what it described as “tremendous” efforts to expand the site’s output, the business remained loss-making.
A well-known brand will leave Morrisons shelves
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MorrisonsThe 28,000 square foot facility’s future use has yet to be determined, with the supermarket chain still weighing options to either sell or repurpose the premises.
A Morrisons spokesperson said: “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 company confirmed that staff members face potential redundancy as a result of the proposal.
“We are however fully committed to doing everything we can to help all those affected, including identifying any other suitable roles available elsewhere in the Myton Group,” the spokesperson added.
It should be noted that Morrisons’ in-store bakeries will not be impacted by the closure.
Rathbones Bakery dates back to 1893 and was acquired by Morrisons in 2005, rescuing the company from administration.
To mark the New Year, Morrisons has announced a major cut to grocery prices, which could result in major savings for supermarket shoppers in January.
Prices have dropped in over 2,500 products across stores nationwide and online, including fresh fruit and veg, meat and fish, everyday kitchen cupboard staples, and cleaning essentials.
A major supermarket is making price cuts
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PAAlex Paver, the pricing and customer director at Morrisons, urged shoppers to take advantage of this deal before its too late.
“At Morrisons, we believe great quality should be affordable for everyone, and we know that January is a time when the cost of the weekly shop really matters to customers.
“That’s why we’ve freshly cut 1000s of prices, from fresh favourites to cupboard stables so customers can trust they’re getting real value every time they shop with us.
“These price cuts reflect our continued commitment to helping customers spend less, while enjoying the quality Morrisons is known for.”