Kellanova has announced it could close its famous Trafford Park Kellogg's factory with the loss of 360 jobs.
The group this afternoon said it was considering the future of the 90-year old site and is proposing that it could close by the end of 2026. Consultation has begun with the workers affected.
The group says the factory, that makes Corn Flakes, Rice Krispies and Coco Pops, is too old to modernise and that lots of the site is already unused. The complex operates 24 hours a day and makes a million boxes of cereal daily.
Kellanova, whose brands include Kellogg’s and Pringles, said Greater Manchester “would remain its British home”. The 520 staff at its MediaCity HQ and tech hub are unaffected by today’s announcement, as are staff at its Wrexham cereal factory and St Helens’ distribution centre.
Kellanova’s Ƶ managing director, Chris Silcock, said: “We know generations of families have worked at our Trafford Park site, and the proposal we are announcing today has nothing to do with the dedication of the outstanding people who work there.
“However, we can’t escape the fact the site opened in 1938. It’s laid out in a way that made sense in the 1930s, with food travelling up and down six floors to be made. With changes in industrial design and technology, you just wouldn’t lay out a factory like that nowadays. What’s more we only use half the space in the buildings and the investment required to maintain the factory in the coming years is simply not viable. That’s why we can’t currently see a long-term future for our Trafford Park factory.
“We know this will be difficult for many to hear and that’s why we now want to focus on our people. We will take the necessary time to discuss our proposals with our people and their representatives and show them how we will support them in the right way should this change happen.”
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Key Events
A bit of history...
1938 Kellogg’s opened its first British factory in Trafford Park, Manchester, on 24th May 1938. The factory cost $2 million to build and covered 130,000 square feet.
1954 Kellogg’s Sugar Frosted Flakes (Frosties) were introduced to Britain in 1954. These were the first cereal of the sugar coated type to reach the market. It achieved instant success, attaining a level of £1 million sales in its first year. Frosties’ Tony the Tiger has been voted as one of the top 10 brand icons of all time.
1956 Kellogg’s launches Special K into the Ƶ. It was originally designed as a high-protein breakfast cereal aimed at men.
1960 Coco Krispies (Coco Pops) were introduced to Britain and were supported by a substantial T.V. advertising campaign.
1963 Prince Phillip visited the Trafford Park factory. He was met by Florence Millward, the housewife who won a competition to open the Manchester factory 25 years earlier.
1978 Kellogg’s opened its second Ƶ factory – in Wrexham in North Wales. The site was officially opened by HRH Princess Alexandra on 28th April 1978.
1980 Crunchy Nut Corn Flakes were launched in the Ƶ.
1984 Fruit and Fibre was launched in the Ƶ.
"Kelloggs has been a part of the fabric of Trafford for decades" - Full statement from Trafford Council leader
Trafford Council Leader Tom Ross said: “Kellogg’s has been part of the fabric of Trafford for decades and a key council partner, so this announcement is extremely disappointing and a real blow for everyone connected to the business and the local economy.”
“We will continue the dialogue with Kellogg’s on their plans for the Trafford Park factory and will work closely with the senior management, their staff and other key partners to provide whatever help we can in the coming months.”
'Shocked so many of us'
Trafford's council leader has spoken again this evening on news which has left the area reeling.
This news has shocked so many of us today.
— Cllr Tom Ross (@TomWRoss)
Kellogg’s have been a good neighbour & employer in the area for almost a century. will be doing what we can to support the staff at the site & keep dialogue open with the company.
Memories for locals
People who have lived close to the site also have fond memories of the Greater Manchester landmark.
One person commented on Facebook: "Noooooooo it was always a game we played driving to see my grandma and aunt to spot the red K. I knew I was almost home, even though I live somewhere else Manchester has my heart."
Another added: "We used to be able to see this from my late mum's bedroom window in Rowan Avenue, Urmston."
Treasured memories
M.E.N. readers have .
The comments include memories from the relatives of former Kellogg's staff.
Claire Smith wrote: "Have such fond memories of when my grandad worked there and we were invited as kids to go to the Christmas parties held at the factory."
Ann Derbyshire said: "My late husband started on shifts in 1966 and then maintainence was there for 29 years. Charlie Derbyshire."
Adrian Stansfield added: "I have happy memories of my dad working there in the plant as the rat killing man and then on security and the mini fun runs as well."
'Huge loss'
The planned closure means a major employer for Trafford could be walking away.
When I was grewing up in Urnston it was basically Kelloggs, the Army or Shell Carrington as job options when you left school. Huge loss if this goes ahead. Solidarity
— Martin Smith (@MSmithOrganiser)
'Terrible news'
Gorse Hill and Cornbrook ward councillor Fianna Hornby said: "Terrible news for hundreds of employees in Trafford Park. My inbox is open to anyone who needs support from . We will keep in touch with to make sure staff are supported throughout."
'Iconic'
Another person on social media said: "Very sad times. An iconic building and site
'So sad'
Hundreds of people are commenting on the news this afternoon.
"So sad," one said.
"Part of the history around [Greater] Manchester. It would be a tragedy to see them shut up shop."
'A sense of anger and betrayal'
One worker has told the M.E.N: "The general feeling seems to be a sense of anger and betrayal after working for the company throughout the Covid period, when there was a great increase in cereal sales, helping to generate record profits for the company at the time - only to be told the news today that the site and workers are no longer required."
They said the Kellanova brand was 'built upon the work done' over the last 86 years in Greater Manchester and news of the company's recent performance - which 'beat analysts' expectations' - had 'rubbed salt in the wounds'.
Andy Burnham: "A real worry."
Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham told the M.E.N:
Obviously my first thought is for the workforce. I know this will have come as a blow and will be a real worry for people working there.
I visited myself last year, so I know the site. Obviously, what we will be doing is just engaging with the company in a very detailed way... a very serious way, to find out what they are seeking to achieve, why they're proposing or why they're opening up this consultation and obviously we will be working hard to keep these jobs in Greater Manchester
Andrew Western MP tweets over news
My full statement on the deeply worrying news announced today that Kellogg’s are considering closing their Trafford Park site.
— Andrew Western MP (@AndrewHWestern)
Why is the company called Kellanova
Kellanova’s website explains why the name was chosen for the remaining business after the American cereals arm was split off.
It says: “The name Kellanova signals the company’s ambition for the future, building on the strong brand equity and legacy built over the past 117 years as Kellogg Company.
“The ‘Kell’ overtly recognizes our enduring connection to Kellogg Company, while ‘anova’ signals the next generation as an innovative, forward leaning, global snacking powerhouse through the use of ‘a’ and the Latin word ‘nova’, meaning ‘new’. Together ‘anova’ or ‘anew’ illustrates our ambition to continuously evolve for the future.
Profits up at Kellogg’s owner as it announces closure plans
On the day it announced plans to close its Trafford Park Kellogg’s plant, food giant Kellanova also announced rising profits.
The group reported sales of $3.1bn for the last quarter of 2023 - up 0.3% on the same period in 2022. That gave it a reported quarterly operating profit of $328m - up 27.5% on last year.
Annual sales were $13.1bn, up 3.7% on 2022. That led to an annual reported operating profit of $1.5bn, up 24.3%.
Kellanova was formed last year after a restructure at the former Kellogg Group.
The company’s North American cereals business was spun out as a separate company, WK Kellogg Co. Meanwhile the remaining 82% of the business was rebranded as Kellanova, which describes itself as “a global snacking powerhouse with a leading presence in international cereal and noodles and North America frozen foods.” Both companies are now listed separately on the New York Stock Exchange.
Today’s quarterly results were Kellanova’s first in its new identity.
Steve Cahillane, Kellanova's chairman, president and chief executive officer, said: "To execute the spin-off while delivering solid results amidst challenging industry conditions is a testament to the dedication and focus of our employees.
“We have entered the Kellanova era with a more growth-oriented portfolio, a sharpened strategy, and higher profit margins. And financially, we have delivered our debut quarter in strong fashion, with financial flexibility and a 2024 plan that is expected to sustain consistent delivery of our newly increased long-term financial algorithm."
Trafford Park closure plan is part of a global restructuring
Kellogg's owner Kellanova has revealed the proposal to close Trafford Park is part of a bigger global restructuring plan.
The company has announced that its North American frozen food supply chain network is to be reorganised. It expects that one production site will close, with work moved to other Kellanova sites.
Consultation has also started with workers at the affected plant. Kellanova says it hopes that restructure will be completed by later this year.
Meanwhile the Trafford Park plans are part of a reorganisation of Kellanova’s “European cereal supply chain network”. It expects the European restructuring will cost a total of $120m over three years but that the company will start seeing improvements to its finances from late 2026 onwards.
'This proposal has nothing to do with the dedication of the outstanding people who work there'
Kellogg's have said the proposal today has 'nothing to do' with the dedication of the 'outstanding' staff at the factory.
"We know generations of families have worked at our Trafford Park factory and this proposal has nothing to do with the dedication of the outstanding people who work there," they said.
Greater Manchester to 'remain Kellogg's British home'
Kellanova said Greater Manchester “would remain its British home” despite today's announcement.
The 520 staff at its MediaCity HQ and tech hub are unaffected, as are staff at its Wrexham cereal factory and St Helens’ distribution centre.
Andrew Western MP (Stretford and Urmston) says there is 'sincere hope they will reconsider closing this site'
“This would be a devastating loss to the people of Stretford and Urmston. Kellogg’s has a long and proud history in the constituency and the site in Trafford Park has been an iconic part of our community for decades - with generations of local families working there.
My first thoughts are with the staff that are affected by these deeply worrying proposals and I will reach out to the trade unions that represent them to offer any support that I can.
There is now going to be a consultation process and I will remain in conversation with Kellogg’s in the sincere hope that they will reconsider closing this site.”
Why Kellogg’s might close its famous plant
The Kellogg’s plant has been a landmark in Trafford Park for 90 years - and sadly for its hard-working and dedicated staff, that might be exactly the problem for its owner Kellanova.
Modern manufacturing plants look from the outside like featureless grey sheds. Inside they are buzzing, automated, computerised, and laid out for maximum efficiency. They’re also wide open and flexible and can adapt to the latest technology, from robots to conveyor belts.
Kellogg’s Trafford Park was built in a different era and it seems that the company decided the plant could not be updated. Workers will now be hoping they can change the minds of Kellanova's bosses.
Kellanova’s Ƶ managing director, Chris Silcock, praised the workers at the site. But he said: “We can’t escape the fact the site opened in 1938. It’s laid out in a way that made sense in the 1930s, with food travelling up and down six floors to be made. With changes in industrial design and technology, you just wouldn’t lay out a factory like that nowadays.
“What’s more we only use half the space in the buildings and the investment required to maintain the factory in the coming years is simply not viable.”
USDAW Area Organiser Mick Murray says news is 'devastating'
“This is devastating news for the staff to hear that the Kellogg’s manufacturing site in Manchester’s Trafford Park is being considered for closure. This iconic site opened in 1938 and was the first manufacturing base for Kellogg’s in Britain.
“Usdaw will now enter into meaningful consultation talks with the company, where we will interrogate their business case and seek the best possible outcome for staff impacted by the proposed closure. We are providing our members with the support, advice and representation at this difficult time.”
How many jobs are at risk?
According to Kellanova's announcement today, 360 jobs 'are at possible risk'.
The company said they would now be entering into a process of detailed talks and consultations with colleagues’ trade unions and employee representatives, which they expect to last around 90 days.
'A sense of shock'
One employee told the Manchester Evening News that staff at the factory today knew closure 'could be on the cards' but there was still a 'sense of shock'.
A bit of history...
The site is the largest cereal factory in Europe and Corn Flakes factory in the world. It opened its doors on May 24, 1938.
When the Second World War took hold, the company created Wheat Flakes as import restrictions meant it was impossible to manufacture Corn Flakes.
Staff from the factory also made up their own Kellogg's Unit in the Home Guard to protect the site and an ambulance team was also started as the site was bombed during the Blitz.
Later decades at the Trafford Park factory have seen new cereals invented, with Mancunians coming up with Crunchy Nut Cornflakes in 1980.
You can read more about the site's history .
Who else does Kellanova/Kellanova do in Manchester and the Ƶ?
Kellogg’s parent Kellanova employs more than 1,200 people across the Ƶ, most of whom are not affected by today’s sad announcement at Trafford Park.
Kellanova has its Ƶ headquarters and tech hub in MediaCity, alongside its cereal research and development site. Some 520 people work there and are not affected by today’s news.
Another 400 people work at the company’s distribution centre in St Helens, Merseyside, and at its factories in Wrexham. They are also unaffected by today’s news.
What is Kellanova?
Most people know the Trafford park site as Kellogg’s, after the historic cereal brand, and the name Kellanova might be unfamiliar.
But the company that owns it is now called Kellanova. It was created in October 2023 after a restructure at what was the Kellogg Company.
It calls itself “a leading company in global snacking, international cereal and noodles, plant-based foods and North American frozen breakfast, with iconic, world-class brands.”
Globally, those brands include Pringles, PopTarts and Cheez-It, as well as famous Kellogg’s brands such as the Manchester-made Corn Flakes, Rice Krispies and Coco Pops.
King Charles visited the factory last year
The Trafford Park factory had a special visit from King Charless less just over a year ago, in January 2023.
During the visit, staff said they spoke to the monarch about sustainability, as well as the company's breakfast club programme that helps feed hungry children in schools.
You can read more about that .
Statement from Trafford Council leader
Trafford Council Leader Tom Ross said: “Kellogg’s has been part of the fabric of Trafford for decades and a key council partner, so this announcement is extremely disappointing and a real blow for everyone connected to the business and the local economy.”
“We will continue the dialogue with Kellogg’s on their plans for the Trafford Park factory and will work closely with the senior management, their staff and other key partners to provide whatever help we can in the coming months.”
