PepsiCo May Close Walkers Factory in Durham County

Global multinational food and drinks company PepsiCo is considering shutting its Walkers snacks factory in Peterlee, County Durham (UK) potentially putting 380 jobs at risk and dealing a heavy blow to the region.

The company, which in addition to Pepsi and Walkers crisps also makes Gatorade and Doritos tortilla chips, said in a statement that it is considering the move to “improve the efficiency of our UK snacks manufacturing operations”.

“Peterlee has been an important site for our business but the changes we are proposing present significant productivity and efficiency savings crucial for ensuring the long-term sustainable growth of our business in the UK,” said Tracey Foster, PepsiCo UK’s manufacturing director at the Peterlee plant, according to the local press.

She said that the company appreciates that this is “upsetting news for everyone at the Peterlee site” but added that “no decisions will be made without first consulting employees and their representatives”.