IT is time to stop “banging on” about Kraft‘s actions in closing the Cadbury factory in Keynsham, the town’s MP has said.
The American food company pledged to work to keep the Somerdale plant open as it fought a bitter takeover battle for the British chocolate maker in 2009.
But within a week of winning control of Cadbury in February last year, Kraft announced a U-turn. It said Cadbury’s previously-announced closure plans, under which production of snacks, including Double Deckers and Curly Wurlies, would move to Poland, were too far advanced to reverse.
The factory ceased production at the end of last year and the last workers left in March.
It is now up for sale and expected to be redeveloped for housing and shops or smaller business premises.
This week the Commons Business Committee published a damning report on the takeover, attacking Kraft chairman and chief executive Irene Rosenfeld for refusing to give evidence.
Jacob Rees-Mogg MP
Jacob Rees-Mogg, whose North East Somerset constituency includes Keynsham, has been critical of Ms Rosenfeld and Kraft’s behaviour.
But yesterday the Conservative MP said it was time to move on.
He said Kraft’s “arrogance” was extraordinary in failing to ensure Ms Rosenfeld faced MPs, adding: “It was disrespectful to the people of Keynsham because it was a refusal to explain to their democratically-elected representatives why they misled people. However they are now selling the site and we need to look to the future, about how that site might be developed and how it might generate employment, rather than continue to bang on about Kraft.
“It is crucial for a successful redevelopment of Keynsham, a real opportunity for job creation and sensible redevelopment of Keynsham. It is on the market, and the closing date has been put back a bit, and there have been a number of bids, while the Fry Club is protected.
“I hope that Kraft will behave gracefully as they finally leave.”
