UK's first sugar factory faces potential closure
British Sugar has announced plans that could jeopardise over 100 jobs at its Cantley factory, the first sugar-processing facility in the UK.
By BBC News
British Sugar has proposed the closure of its Cantley factory, which has been operational for over a century, potentially putting more than 100 jobs at risk. The company aims to enhance efficiency and ensure the long-term viability of the UK sugar industry. The closure could take effect from the end of February 2027.
Cantley, located in the Norfolk Broads, was the first sugar-processing factory to open in the UK. The proposal would shift British Sugar's beet processing operations to its facilities in Wissington, Bury St Edmunds, and Newark.
Jerome Mayhew, the Conservative MP for Broadland and Fakenham, described the news as "devastating" and expressed concerns about the broader implications for local farmers. He noted that the factory has been integral to the local farming community, as it processes sugar beet sourced from nearby farms.
Mayhew has requested an urgent meeting with British Sugar, highlighting that the company has been operating at a loss for the past three years due to a long-term decline in sugar demand. He emphasised the potential economic impact on farmers, including increased haulage costs to reach alternative processing facilities, and warned of a wider economic effect on businesses that support operations at Cantley.
British Sugar's managing director, Keith Packer, stated that the decision follows a comprehensive review of the business, citing external pressures such as low European sugar prices and high energy costs.
The Cantley factory, which produces approximately 130,000 tonnes of sugar annually, underwent an £11 million upgrade last year to improve energy efficiency. It will continue to operate normally until a final decision regarding its future is made.