Unilever has announced that it is closing its Colman’s mustard facility in Norwich next year.
The company has decided to move its mustard production to Burton on Trent, and some to Germany, with a new facility opening in Norwich for milling mustard seeds, co-run with local farmers.
The closure of the factory is thought to impact 113 jobs, with 43 transferred to the site in Burton on Trent, 20 to the new facility in Norwich, and other workers being made redundant.
Trade union GMB has commented on the news and described it as a “devastating decision” for the city of Norwich and for manufacturing in East Anglia.
Warren Kenny, GMB regional secretary, said: “This is absolutely devastating news for the workforce at Colman’s, for the city of Norwich and for manufacturing in East Anglia.
“GMB has just heard the news and it is our immediate intention to speak with our members at Unilever and to seek an immediate meeting with the company and local elected representatives to fully understand what has lead Unilever to make this devastating decision, and whether there are alternatives that should, and must be considered.”
Colman’s mustard has been made at the same factory in Norwich since 1858.
