Colman’s Mustard factory in Norwich will close after 160 years of history

The decision to shut the site leaves more than 40 jobs hanging in the balance

Colman’s has been based in Norfolk since 1814 (PA)

Unilever has confirmed that it is closing its historic Colman’s Mustard factory in Norwich at the end of next year, ending a 160-year presence in the city.

The Anglo-Dutch consumer goods company said that 113 jobs at Colman’s will be affected, with production moving to Burton-on-Trent and Germany.

Around 40 roles will be transferred to Burton-on-Trent, while a new milling facility near Norwich will create 25 jobs. This means more than 40 jobs hang in the balance.

Colman’s has been based in Norfolk since Jeremiah Colman started his mustard and flour business in the village of Stoke Holy Cross on the outskirts of Norwich in 1814. The company started making mustard from its present Norwich site in 1858.

Unilever said it will maintain the historic link with the city by opening a new production, packing and milling site in the area.

The decision comes after Britvic, which shares the Norwich site with Unilever, said it was closing its factory last month.

“We recognise that these proposals will be difficult news for our Norwich employees, their families and the whole community in Norwich,” a spokesperson for Unilever said.

“We are committed to supporting our employees during this difficult time,” the spokesperson added.

Unions are urging Unilever to reconsider its plans to close the production site.

“It is a devastating day for Norwich that Colman’s will cease production [there] in 2019,” said Unite national officer Rhys McCarthy.

“Our aim during the consultation period will be to retain as many skilled jobs as possible within Unilever and that there should be no compulsory redundancies,” he added.