Consultation on future of canning production is under-way at Wisbech pet food firm Nestlé Purina

One of Wisbech's biggest employers has today (Friday) confirmed it is looking to close part of its production in the town by the end of October this year.

A spokesman for pet food manufacturer Nestlé Purina said the firm has been speaking to employees this week about proposals to end canning production at its Cromwell Road plant later this autumn.

The spokesman emphasised it was only a proposal at this time and added job cuts is again subject to the consultation so they cannot confirm at this stage how many will be affected.

However, he said the canning line is a small part of production at the site, which employs over 600 people. The canning line produces Winalot dog food and the spokesman explained owners are changing the way they buy their pet food preferring pouches to cans.

He said the ongoing fall in demand for canned pet food means the move is necessary irrespective of the UK's decision to withdraw from the EU

The spokesman added: “Nestlé Purina Petcare has been communicating with employees about proposed changes at its factory in Wisbech. Purina is also addressing the ongoing fall in demand for canned pet food by announcing the difficult proposal to end canning production at Wisbech by the end of October 2019. The company will now enter into a consultation with the potentially impacted employees, and their representatives where appropriate, at both sites – working closely to support them at every stage of the process.”