It has been confirmed that Kensey Foods in Launceston will close, following the recent consultation period.

It was reported in January that the factory, which supplies desserts to some of the UK’s major retailers, could close due to it facing an uncertain future.

Kensey Foods has operated out of the site in the Pennygillam industrial estate since 1997 and employs around 650 people, many from the local area.

The factory reported that it had been making losses for the last six years and on top of investments, it had accrued costs of up to tens of millions of pounds.

The 11-acre site will now close in July.

The factory’s owners, Samworth Brothers, who also own Ginsters, stated that up to 100 jobs could be accommodated at The Cornwall Bakery in Callington. There would also be job opportunities at Samworth Brothers’ other businesses across the UK but that would mean relocating from the region.

In a statement, Samworth Brothers said: “While the statutory consultation period is still continuing, the collective part of this consultation on the future of site has concluded there is no feasible alternative to a closure of the business. It has therefore been confirmed that the site will close in July. The process has now moved to individual consultations and these are still in progress.

“As outlined previously over the next few months we will be doing as much as we can to help affected individuals. There are opportunities for a good number of people (approximately 100) to redeploy to our Callington bakery (The Cornwall Bakery) and there are also vacancies across our group in other locations.

“We are also working with local community groups, and will be engaging with the local job centre, employment agencies and local companies to help people find suitable new roles. We have had a very good number of enquiries from other employers who are keen to help and have vacancies.”

Launceston’s outgoing mayor, Cllr Margaret Young said: “Well that finality of the closure has hit the families. The knock on for the economy and for the town is going to be huge.

“With 650 people effected, they wont be spending their hard earned money in other businesses in town. We are doing as much as we can to help people, with CVs and references.

“Kensey employs a lot of Polish workers and my feeling is that many have become unsettled. For example, I have one boy that has come to me in Youth Council, whose parents both work at the factory and he said to me he doesn’t want to have to go back to Poland because of it.”

Cllr Young also explained that Cornwall Council are negotiating CV and retraining courses for the people that have been affected.

Launceston Chamber of Commerce is also offering its services to those affected by the closures, offering advice on how to write a CV.

Cornwall Development Company will be meeting with Kensey today (Thursday) to explore if any support can be given.

Will you be affected? Email [email protected] or phone 01566 778211.