Swallowfield set to close

MP for Taunton and Wellington, Gideon Amos, has said he was "shocked and dismayed" to hear of the proposal to close the Swallowfield operation in Wellington's Station Road, which employs 259 people.

Its owner kdc/one announced on Wednesday that it was planning to transfer production to its Barony Universal site in Scotland.

Gideon has written to kdc/one’s President and CEO, Nicholas Whitley, saying: "After 149 years of Swallowfield in Wellington and the recent investment made in the premises in 2023/24, your proposals are totally unexpected and beg the question: Why you are not willing or proposing to sell the business as a going concern?

"With over 250 jobs at stake, I urge the company to put their interests, and those of Wellington, ahead of short-term considerations by thinking again and keeping the premises operating until a buyer is found."

He added: "While I am pursuing continued operation as a priority, I have also spoken today with the Leader of Somerset Council, Bill Revans. He has now asked the Economic Development department team to step up support for those affected.

"If the closure is to go ahead, we must do everything we can to help them."