Noble Foods, the United Kingdom's biggest egg packer, has completed the acquisition of two egg processing factories from Manton's.
News of a possible deal emerged earlier this year when the local press in Nottinghamshire reported that Noble intended to close its existing Bilsthorpe plant and transfer production to the two factories it planned to buy from Manton's. The factories are at Harrogate in North Yorkshire and Gainsborough in Lincolnshire.
Noble was quoted at the time as saying that the acquisitions had been agreed in principle. The company has now written to interested parties to confirm that the deal has since been completed. It says in the letter that the purchase of the two plants became effective on March 14. Production will be moved from Bilsthorpe gradually and the new business will operate under the name Noble Egg Innovations.
The letter, which is signed by the business's managing director David Pearson and chairman Michael Looney, says, "Noble has been reviewing investment options for its egg products business for some time and the acquisition of the Manton facilities is the best solution to its future manufacturing requirements. It is envisaged that Noble's current liquid egg production at Bilsthorpe will be transferred to the acquired factories over time. These changes will provide a long-term, competitive and sustainable route to market for Manton and Noble's liquid egg products, benefiting customers and suppliers alike. The new business will trade as Noble Egg lnnovations."
The letter goes on to say, "Invoices for goods and services provided to the Harrogate and Gainsborough sites from 14th March 2014 should be addressed to Noble Egg Innovations at the existing Harrogate address, Springfield Farm, Cold Cotes Road, Kettlesing Head, Harrogate HG3 2LW. We would like to thank you for your continuing custom and look forward to working together in the future. If you do have any questions or queries, please do not hesitate to make contact."
In February the Mansfield and Ashfield Chad reported that the Bilsthorpe workforce had been informed of plans to close the factory later in the year, with the work moving to Harrogate and Gainsborough. The newspaper quoted Noble as saying, “We regret the potential loss of jobs caused by the change and are absolutely committed to supporting affected colleagues.” It said that formal consultations were taking place.
The Chad said that the previous year Noble had outlined plans to move the Bilsthorpe factory to Walesby, just 10 miles away.
