MORE than 100 people are out of work this week following the first round of redundancies at a Middlewich factory.

Around half the 200-strong workforce at RHM Culinary Brands crossed the factory's famous bridge in Booth Lane on Thursday for what would be their final time.

One employee, who did not wish to be named but had been at the factory for almost 25 years, said it was a very sad day for the town.

"It's the end of an era for a lot of people in this town," he said.

"RHM has been a major employer for years and now it will be no more.

"A lot of people are really miffed by how we have been treated by Premier Foods, feelings are running high and a lot of people are saying they will never buy Bisto gravy again."

The factory, which produces Bisto gravy and Saxa salt products, was bought out by Premier Foods in March 2007 in a £2billion deal, but at the time employees were assured that their jobs were safe.

Last July workers were informed that the factory would close in September this year and production would be transferred to a factory in Worksop, Nottinghamshire.

The redundancies last Thursday were made in the production and manufacturing departments.

Workers in the Bisto powder and Bisto Best departments will be made redundant in September and security will leave the building in November.

The employee, who has not yet found another job, added: "The people who have got new jobs are fine, but it's not so good for the ones that haven't. I'm a bit anxious because I don't want to be out of work for a long time."

A spokesman for the company said: "As part of the site closure there will be some redundancies made this month.

"This is part of the closure plan and it will be a gradual rolling process ahead of the closure date.

"You don't just close down in one day and that's it, it takes time to close down and make changes. Things will be moving to the different sites that were outlined last summer, but this is a gradual process and won't be done all at once."

Employees have been made to train up their replacements before they were made redundant in a move which has rubbed salt into their wounds. For the full story turn to Page 3.

Have you been affected by the factory closure? Let us know on our website middlewichguardian.co.uk or ring reporter Hayley Collins on 01606 813623.