On Thursday Typhoo Tea said it was closing its factory in Wirral with the loss of 90 jobs but council leader wants to find a way of keeping the business in the borough. Tony McDonough reports
Wirral Council leader Janette Williamson says she is determined to find a way of keeping Typhoo Tea in Wirral after the company announced the closure of its Moreton factory.
On Thursday Typhoo said it was to close the “ageing” blending and packing site in June with the loss of 90 jobs. The plant has been in operation for around 45 years and has the capacity to produce up to one million teabags an hour.
Early in 2020 the 120-year-old firm still employed more than 200 people at the factory. However, the company enjoyed a period of tough trading that resulted in job losses. In July 2021 it was taken over by private equity outfit Zetland Capital Partners.
In a statement on Thursday Typhoo said it was actively exploring” options for a new site and re-employment of staff. However, it added this process could take at least a year.
Cllr Williamson told the Wirral Globe the news of the closure was “devastating”. She added: “My heart goes out to all those who work at Typhoo.
“I want them to know Wirral Council will do whatever it can to help support them through the redundancy process and finding new employment.
“The council has worked closely with Typhoo’s owners to offer as much support as possible to try and avoid this outcome but it is now clear that despite everyone’s best efforts this was not possible.
“The local authority will continue to work with Typhoo and look for ways to help this world famous brand find a way to stay in Wirral.”
Typhoo executive chairman Mike Brehme said the “spiralling cost of energy” as well as “low levels of productivity achievable at the Moreton factory” making the closure necessary.
“We are actively exploring options for a new site, but it will be some time before a suitable location is identified, fitted out and ready,” he added.
“Sadly, we anticipate this resulting in approximately 90 job losses at Moreton. I would like to thank all colleagues who have contributed so much in recent, challenging times and we will do all that we can to assist everyone affected by this announcement.
“With the support of third-party packers, we have a robust plan in place to meet the demand for Typhoo products, ensuring supplies to customers continue uninterrupted.”