A majority of jobs are at risk at Fentimans following its acquisition by AG Barr, with proposals for 37 job cuts that could shut down the Northumberland site.
AG Barr, the maker of Irn-Bru, has announced plans that could lead to significant job losses at the recently acquired Fentimans brand, with 37 staff potentially losing their jobs. This acquisition, valued at £38 million, highlights the continuing challenges faced by smaller beverage companies in the market. The North East headquarters of Fentimans, a company with deep ties to the Hexham community since the early 1990s, is particularly affected by these proposals.
The job cuts represent a shift in the operational strategy following the takeover, aiming to streamline efficiency after AG Barr's acquisition. The news has been distressing for employees, as the proposed closure of the Fentimans site is set to sever nearly three decades of local production and community engagement. Such moves reflect broader trends in the beverage industry, where consolidation has led to cost-saving measures at the expense of local employment.
The potential redundancies underscore the vulnerability of the workforce amid transitions in ownership within popular food and beverage brands. As the industry evolves, existing employees face uncertainty, while the future of brand legacy in local areas becomes precarious. The community of Hexham is likely to be significantly impacted if Fentimans is forced to shut its operations, diminishing the area’s commercial diversity and employment opportunities.
