ONE of Britain's biggest soft drinks' companies is axing its local factory with the loss of 63 jobs.

Britvic Soft Drinks Ltd has decided to concentrate its dilutable soft drinks operation at the expense of its Hindley Green factory.

The company has told workers the Swan Lane "Quosh" operation will close in December. Employees will be made redundant unless they can be relocated within the nationwide group.

A spokesman said:"The decision follows a review of the company's branded and private label soft drinks strategy.

"Production of the Quosh brand and own-label products for major customers including some of the large supermarket chains, will be transferred to the company's Norwich factory.

"Britvic is moving its private label business away from low volume, low margin dilutable lines and focusing on the production of premium products in line with its strategy of adding value to the soft drinks market.

"Overall volumes will be insufficient to maintain the viability of the Hindley Green factory which employs 63 permanent staff.

"Every effort will be made to help employees find alternative employment within the country."

Britvic Soft Drinks grew from several mergers when three of the UK's largest brewers, Bass, Whitbread and Allied Domecq joined and bought Beechams soft drinks interests.

With seven factories and 20 depots it employs 3,000 people and sells nearly two billion litres of soft drinks a year - over a fifth of the total British consumption.

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