WARWICK, ENGLAND — Pilgrim’s UK, a business unit of Pilgrim’s Pride Corp., is considering a plan to close its processing site in Ashton-under-Lyne, England.

According to information provided by Pilgrim’s, all 542 workers at the plant are at risk of redundancy. The proposals made by the company would create 90 additional roles split between other sites in Westerleigh, Spalding and Bromborough.

“The decision to propose the closure of our Ashton site has not been taken lightly and we have made every effort to explore alternative options,” said Rachael Baldwin, vice president of human resources for Pilgrim’s UK. “A key part of our work to return to growth includes ensuring we fully optimize our operational footprint and the age and location of Ashton within a densely populated area means that there is no feasible opportunity to modernize or grow the site. As a result, these proposals are unfortunately essential to ensure a sustainable future for our team members across the UK.”

The company said that its proposed closure is part of its ongoing footprint review as the business looks for the best structure for long-term growth and development and mitigates current unfavorable market conditions for the UK.

Significant challenges cited by Pilgrim’s include the UK sow herd contracting by about 15% and loss-making farmers leaving the industry due to sustained periods of high production costs and lower pig prices.

After this news, the business plans to conduct a collective consultation with the site union and employee representatives. The company said that full support and guidance would be provided to anyone at risk of redundancy as employees find roles inside and outside the organization.

Pilgrim’s announced its plans to cease operations at two other UK plants in Nov. 2022.