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Local jobs safeguarded in Flintshire

Published: 18/07/2014

A joint approach involving Brakes Group, Welsh Government, Flintshire County Council and David Wood Baking Limited, has developed a package that will ensure that manufacturing operations at the Creative Foods plant at Aber Park, Flint will continue, with the jobs of the existing workforce being safeguarded. The plant, which is owned by Brakes Group, manufactures a range of prepared meals for the hospitality sector. Following an internal review, Brakes Group had decided to concentrate activity in other parts of its operations; consequently, a buyer was sought for Creative Foods as a going concern. A number of companies expressed interest, with David Wood Baking Limited of Leeds, ultimately being selected as the preferred buyer. Support was provided through the Targeted Local Needs Fund allocated by the Welsh Government to local authorities to support economic development. Economy Minister Edwina Hart said: “I am pleased this Fund is playing a part in supporting the long term future of the business and safeguarding a significant number of very important local jobs. This has been very much a team effort that has delivered a great result.” Councillor Aaron Shotton, Leader of Flintshire County Council said: “This is a very satisfactory outcome to what could have been a really difficult situation. It has involved complex negotiations between Brakes Group, Welsh Government, David Wood Baking and the County Council, but protecting these jobs has always been at the forefront of our minds. “Creative Foods has been a good employer in our county, most of the workforce are local to the Flint area, with many having been there for a long time, 20 years being not unusual. The agreement that we have now reached with David Wood Baking means that the jobs of all of the 138 employees are saved and there is a very good chance that we will see further investment and more new jobs, at Flint in the near future. “I am very grateful for the cooperation shown by the two companies, as well as the support of the Welsh Government, in concluding this matter.”