Morrisons buys Vion plant

UK-based retailer Morrisons is expanding its processing operations after purchasing a meat packing facility from Anglo-Dutch giant Vion Food.

Wm Morrisons will take over the Winsford, Cheshire, based site from Vion, which will come under the retailers wholly-owned subsidary Farmers Boy limited.

All 300 staff at the fresh pork and lamb retail packing plant will transfer with the deal, which is expected to be completed by 27 March.

Martyn Fletcher, Morrisons group manufacturing director, said: “Owning the manufacturing sites that produce our fresh food is crucial to Morrisons because it ensures we can control quality and keep down costs for our customers.

“As Morrisons continues to grow, it is important we have the facilities to support us. This facility is a high quality, purpose built meat processing factory and will be an ideal addition to the fantastic manufacturing sites we already own.”