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| One for the birds! Europarc could host giant poultry processing 'factory' |
A MAJOR food company says it will create more than 2,000 jobs in Grimsby if it gets the green light to build a chicken processing plant on the outskirts of Grimsby.
Cranswick plc has earmarked land at Europarc for what it promises would be a "state-of-the-art, purpose-built poultry processing facility".
It says its £200-million venture would bring:
* 800 construction jobs supported during the two-year build phase, generating substantial local supply chain expenditure
* 1,400 permanent operational jobs created across diverse skill levels, directly supporting North East Lincolnshire Council's employment target of 8,800 jobs.
* Targeted local recruitment strategy backed by robust apprenticeship, graduate trainee and youth development programs to address regional skills gaps.
The project would involve both day and night working, involving the processing of up to approximately 1.75 million birds per week.
Says the company: "The operational activities of the poultry processing facility would comprise:
* The receipt of live poultry
* Stunning and processing
* Chilling, packing and dispatch of poultry products
* Associated ancillary activities including refrigeration, waste handling, effluent storage, staff facilities, servicing, and vehicle movements.
All activities would be undertaken in an enclosed space away from public view.
Prior to being slaughtered, how well will the birds be looked after?
A company spokesperson insists: "Cranswick is committed to maintaining high animal welfare standards throughout all operations and supply chains.
"As well as their own Animal Welfare Policies, Cranswick and supplying farms and processing sites operate in accordance with UK animal welfare legislation and industry best practice.
"This includes recognised welfare schemes such as RSPCA Assured, Red Tractor or equivalent as a minimum."
Also a major player in pig product processing, Cranswick has, over the last 50 years, grown to become one of the biggest food producers in the UK.
The business has a turnover of £3-billion and directly employs over 16,500 people while supporting a further 49,900 jobs across the UK.
Originating in East Yorkshire, Cranswick has seven food manufacturing sites in Hull and a further 14 sites across England, Wales and Northern Ireland as well as a substantial farming business.
The nearest equivalent to its proposed Europarc scheme is its 2019-constructed processing facility at Eye in Norfolk.
The company has submitted a planning application to North East Lincolnshire Council.
The cover of the company's most recent annual report
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