Wincanton jobs at risk after supply firm loses Ribena deal

Wincanton is a supply chain business and makes deliveries for some of the biggest retailers in the UK

Jobs are at risk at a supply firm that has lost its contract with the makers of Lucozade and Ribena.

Wincanton, which has a depot near Gloucester runs a distribution service from Suntory's factory at Coleford in the Forest of Dean.

The supply chain firm said its contract with Suntory will end on 31 December.

Usdaw, Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers, said its members are "shocked" by the planned closure of the Brockworth site.

Wincanton has been based at the depot for about 20 years and makes deliveries for some of the biggest retailers in the UK.

But Suntory have now signed an agreement with DHL to become their new delivery and warehouse supplier from the New Year.

The operation will be moved to Worksop in Nottinghamshire.

A spokesperson for Wincanton confirmed the Brockworth depot will close at the end of December.

It is another blow for the firm which has also lost a contract with Muller, which was serviced from a depot in Wincanton in Somerset, and has meant this facility has been significantly scaled back.

Wincanton has a distribution depot in Brockworth - where 281 people currently work

Workers at Brockworth, where about 280 people are based, have said they are now facing an uncertain future.

Steve Newman, Usdaw area organiser, said: "It is extremely distressing for the staff, after 20 years at this site, it couldn't come at a worse time with the cost of living crisis and Christmas fast approaching.

"We are providing our members with the advice, support and representation they need at this difficult time."

Mr Newman said they will now enter into a consultation process with the company, where they will look at the case for the closure and seek the best possible outcome for its members.

A Wincanton spokesperson said: "We are conscious of the uncertainty this transfer causes for our colleagues.

"A TUPE [Transfer of Undertaking Protection of Employment Regulations] process will be commencing with the new service provider and we will work to support all affected colleagues in the coming weeks and months."

Suntory runs the Ribena and Lucozade factory in Coleford

A Suntory Beverage and Food spokesperson added: "We'd like to take this opportunity to thank Wincanton and their employees for the long and collaborative years of service.

"We will be working closely with Wincanton during the coming days and weeks to support them on their planning requirements and to ensure a smooth transition to our new delivery and warehouse supplier, DHL Supply chain."The firm said it was "fiercely proud" of its Coleford factory, adding that in February 2020 it unveiled a £13m investment in a new high-speed bottling line, with £3m of that figure invested directly in local contractors.

It added: "We're committed to Coleford for the long term."