Banbury MP Victoria Prentis has spoken to the plant director of a coffee company in the town which is to close part of its factory, putting up to 280 jobs at risk.

The MP met with Jacob Douwe Egberts (JDE) plant director Edward Tansill this morning (Thursday, November 16) to discuss the proposal for changes to the factory in more detail.

The company announced its plans to close the processing part of its factory and make it a packaging facility on Tuesday (November 14).

READ MORE: Coffee plant to stop at Banbury factory risking 280 jobs

Speaking after the meeting, Mrs Prentis said: “I spoke to the plant director in Banbury Edward Tansill this morning following Tuesday’s disappointing news that redundancies are to be made at the factory.

“JDE has a long history in our town, employing many generations of families since the factory first opened in 1964.

“For some time now, the plant has been the least competitive of the company’s facility. However, Mr Tansill explained to me that the proposals to shift the focus to coffee packaging will help ensure that Banbury remains a key site within the JDE estate.

Oxford Mail: MP Victoria Prentis MP Victoria Prentis (Image: n/a)"It is clearly important that all associates who are facing the prospect of redundancy have the opportunity to have their views heard and are offered support as they seek to find alternative employment.

“Mr Tansill assured me that a range of measures will be in place to support associates throughout the consultation process, which will start on November 28 and will run for a minimum period of 45 days.

“Both elected representatives and Unite the Union’s Joint Negotiation and Consultation Committee will be involved throughout. I understand that the initial redundancy package to be proposed is generous, offering well above the statutory level.”

Ms Prentis said she made it clear to Mr Tansill that employees who will face redundancy must be given as much support as possible, so they have a clear plan and alternative job opportunities.

She added: “I know this will be an extremely difficult time for associates and their families. We are fortunate to have a very active Jobcentre in the town who I know will be happy to assist if necessary.

“The company has also said they will host a jobs fair with local employers, many of whom I am sure will be interested in the skillset of the associates currently working at the plant.”

Built in 1964, the coffee-processing facility is understood to be the largest in the world.

Jacobs Douwe Egberts is owned by JDE Peet’s, an American-Dutch company that formed in 2015 following the merger of the coffee division of Mondelez International with Douwe Egberts as Jacobs Douwe Egberts.

The company has produced convenience foods such as Birds custard, Instant Whip, Angel Delight and instant coffee.

 

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This story was written by Matthew Norman, he joined the team in 2022 as a Facebook community reporter.

Matthew covers Bicester and focuses on finding stories from diverse communities.

Get in touch with him by emailing: Matthew.norman@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter: @OxMailMattN1