Two hundred and ninety jobs are on the line after Gousto, the meal kit company, announced it will close its warehouse near Spalding, Lincolnshire, as part of a cost-cutting drive. The firm said it plans to shutter the Clay Lake unit and centralise all production at its Warrington facility in Cheshire, where about 600 people already work.
Founder and chief executive Timo Boldt described the closure as “an incredibly difficult proposal given the impact on our colleagues in Clay Lake, who have contributed enormously to Gousto’s journey over a number of years”. But he insisted the move was necessary because running two warehouses was no longer efficient and was leading to duplication.
“Gousto to shut Lincolnshire warehouse, putting 290 jobs at risk”
“In a highly competitive food market, it is however essential that we operate as efficiently as possible so that we can continue to invest in our proposition and keep prices as low as possible for customers,” Boldt said. He added that the company’s focus was now on “supporting people through this process with care, respect and practical help”.
The closure comes as Gousto, which supplies meal kits containing fresh food and recipes, seeks to reduce costs after heavy investment in the Warrington site. The company has not said when the Spalding warehouse will close, but affected employees now face an uncertain future.