Seven Seas to close Hull factory

More than 250 jobs are at risk after a vitamins manufacturing giant proposed to close its Hull factory.

Seven Seas said production at its plant in Hedon Road would be outsourced and operations transferred to London.

More than 250 people are employed at the site but the firm is yet to disclose the number of job losses.

The plant will be shut down over the next three years if the plans go ahead. MP Karl Turner said the move was "bad news for the local economy".

Staff were informed of the plans by management earlier and a 90-day consultation process has started.

'Iconic company'

John Redman, managing director of Seven Seas, said: "We are not making this proposal lightly. It reflects the continuing difficult economic conditions that the company is facing.

"Seven Seas has been a leading health brand for 77 years and we have to take action now to ensure that it remains successful in the years ahead."

The firm said there would be a phased shut down of the factory in east Hull over a period of two to three years.

Labour MP for Hull East Karl Turner said the announcement had "come out of the blue" and was "terrible news for Hull".

He said: "It's massively worrying. It's not a small business. It's a company that's got quality jobs and some of these are very skilled jobs. In reality there will be job losses.

"It's an iconic company not just for Hull, but for east Hull."