Bakery chain Greggs has proposed closing four manufacturing sites, a move that could result in around 740 roles becoming redundant over the next two and a half years. The company announced the proposals on 30 September 2026 alongside its third-quarter trading update, and said it had launched a consultation with affected employees and trade unions.

Which sites are affected

The sites proposed for closure are Enfield in north London, Seaham in County Durham, North Lakes near Penrith in Cumbria, and Pettigrews in Kelso, Scotland. Manufacturing at Treforest in Wales would also cease, although that site would continue as a distribution centre, and distribution operations at Enfield would remain unchanged.

Cost, savings and consultation

Greggs said the changes were necessary to meet future capacity requirements in the most cost-efficient manner, consolidating manufacturing across six remaining sites: Clydesmill, Gosforth, Balliol, Leeds, Manchester and Derby. Its retail shops are not included in the proposals.

The programme would cost around £60 million in cash, including about £40 million of capital expenditure plus disruption costs and redundancy payments. Once fully implemented, Greggs expects annual pre-tax operating savings of around £20 million, realised across the 2028 and 2029 financial years.

Chief executive Roisin Currie said Greggs remained a strong and growing business that continued to invest significantly in its future, and that the proposals were intended to strengthen its manufacturing network and improve efficiency.

The announcement came as Greggs reported total sales up 7.7 per cent in the 13 weeks to 26 September 2026, with like-for-like sales at company-managed shops up 3.4 per cent. No final decisions have been made: the figures for roles and sites remain proposals subject to consultation.

Sources: Food Management Today and Business Quarter.