Consultation to begin after Typhoo's Moreton factory closure

Bosses at Typhoo confirmed on Thursday (March 9) that their factory in Moreton will close its doors for good in June, with 90 jobs lost.

In a statement, the company said closing its ageing tea blending and packing site is part of a move "designed to protect the future of one of Britain's oldest brands".

Andrena Clarke, regional officer for Unite the Union told the Globe today: "We are extremely disappointed that our members, some of whom have spent almost their entire working life at Typhoo Tea factory, are having to face the prospect of losing their jobs once again so soon after the workforce were at risk before Christmas.

"Unite will begin consultations with the employer this week and we expect to be presented with the company's business case for the closure proposal in due course.

"Once the case have been scrutinised, and a full detailed analysis of the rationale behind this proposal has taken place we will be looking for further meetings with the company to explore all alternatives to the current proposal.

"This is an extremely difficult time for our members and they will be receiving the unions full support throughout this process."

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Entrance to Typhoo (Image: Google Maps / Streetview)

Typhoo say they are "actively exploring options" for a new site and re-employment, but it will be at least one year before a suitable location is ready.

Wirral Council leader Janette Williamson and constituency MP Dame Angela Eagle described the news as "devastating" and are urging Typhoo to think again, keep the factory open and save local jobs.

Cllr Williamson, said: "My heart goes out to all those who work at Typhoo. This is devastating news for all the people there and I want them to know Wirral Council will do whatever it can to help support them through the redundancy process and finding new employment.

"The council has worked closely with Typhoo’s owners to offer as much support as possible to try and avoid this outcome but it is now clear that despite everyone's best efforts this was not possible.

"The local authority will continue to work with Typhoo and look for ways to help this world famous brand find a way to stay in Wirral."

Ms Eagle, in whose constituency the factory is situated, told the Globe: "The news that Typhoo is planning on closing its Moreton factory is devastating for the local community and the workforce at Typhoo.

"The loss of the majority of jobs and the export of processing abroad is incredibly disappointing.

"Typhoo has been processing tea in Moreton for 45 years and has employed generations of local people.

"I hope that even at this late stage they might reconsider this decision. I am working closely with all involved to urge Typhoo to think again, keep the factory open and save local jobs."

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Launched in 1903, the famous brand began making tea bags in 1967.

In 1978, production moved to the Moreton site from Birmingham, where it now packs 16,000 tonnes of tea each year, after receiving it from Kenya and Argentina.

Typhoo has said those people who remain in the business will relocate to a hub to oversee the day-to-day management of the restructured organisation.

The firm's rich history includes being the first brand to sell ready-packaged tea and the first tea brand to introduce a green tea blend into the UK.

The company is also home to a wide range of brands in the growing herbal and fruit infusion market.

The brands include Typhoo Tea, Lift, London Fruit & Herb, Heath & Heather, Ridgways, Glengettie, Fresh Brew and Melrose’s.

Many Globe readers took to social media to mourn the loss of the factory

Karen Williams commented: "Being one of the 90 people total shock being told this today."

Robbie Davies wrote: "End of an era. Feel for the staff and hope they get decent redundancy packages."

Keith Farrell commented: "Another Wirral landmark departs. Sad times. Cadburys, Squibs, Champion Sparks all gone plus many more. Where have the jobs gone for our youngsters?"

Kaitlyn New wrote: "Being one of the family effected by this I think it is absolutely disgusting that the people who actually work there was only informed when they went into work this afternoon and it's in the paper two hours after they got sent home no regards for the people who work for the company in my opinion."

Maureen Jayne Buckley wrote: "I was in there in the 80's sorting the boxes of tea bags out so very sad its closing".

Typhoo boss: Moreton site was "loss-making"

Typhoo Tea Limited's executive chairman, Mike Brehme, added: "Unfortunately the spiralling cost of energy and materials, alongside low levels of productivity achievable at the Moreton factory, make it necessary to close the loss-making site.

"We are actively exploring options for a new site, but it will be some time before a suitable location is identified, fitted out and ready.

"Sadly, we anticipate this resulting in approximately 90 job losses at Moreton.

"I would like to thank all colleagues who have contributed so much in recent, challenging times and we will do all that we can to assist everyone affected by this announcement.

"With the support of third-party packers, we have a robust plan in place to meet the demand for Typhoo products, ensuring supplies to customers continue uninterrupted.

"The regrettable but necessary changes allow Typhoo to realign its ambitions and refocus on the customer whilst ensuring the same high level of service and great quality tea you expect from one of the UK’s oldest and most recognised brands.

"2023 marks the milestone of 120 years of Typhoo Tea.

"These changes allow us to set the business up for the next generation of discerning tea drinkers.”

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