UK's first sugar factory at risk of closure
Summary
British Sugar plans to close its Cantley sugar factory in Norfolk by February 2027 to improve efficiency and support the UK sugar industry's future. The closure could put over 100 jobs at risk and affect local farmers who supply sugar beet to the plant.Key Facts
- The Cantley factory is one of four British Sugar factories and has operated for more than 100 years.
- British Sugar wants to focus beet processing at three other sites in Wissington, Bury St Edmunds, and Newark.
- The company faces challenges like low European sugar prices, high energy costs, and declining sugar demand.
- More than 100 employees at Cantley could lose their jobs or be affected.
- Local MP Jerome Mayhew called the closure "devastating" and is seeking urgent talks with British Sugar.
- Closure may increase transportation costs for Norfolk farmers and harm related businesses.
- Cantley factory produces about 130,000 tonnes of sugar annually.
- The factory received an £11 million upgrade last year to improve energy efficiency but still faced losses over the past three years.
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