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Up to 600 jobs have been put at risk at poultry meat firm Bernard Matthews Farms after the company announced proposals to close its Norfolk, UK, site following another year of losses. The Norfolk-based brand lost £10m in 2023, with £25m in losses in the year prior. It is proposing to close its processing plant in Great Witchingham, Norfolk, UK, which has been the firm's headquarters since 1955 and employs around 600 people. A Bernard Matthews spokesperson said the cooked meat site was "not a sustainable operation" and that the company would offer colleagues alternative roles at its other sites if the closure goes ahead. The spokesperson continued: “Despite investment in recent years and our efforts to secure more business, it is still loss-making and not commercially viable. Therefore, our proposal is to cease operations at this location, putting the site at risk of closure. We understand this will be extremely disappointing news for everyone concerned at Great Witchingham. This proposal is in no way a reflection of the hard work and commitment our colleagues show every day.” In a statement, Bernard Matthews said that before going forward with any plans, its key priority is to hold consultations with all employees and their unions, exploring “the full range of options”. Great Witchingham Hall in Norfolk was acquired by the company’s founder Bernard Matthews in 1955 – five years after founding the company – to deal with growing market demand. By 1960, Matthews had become the biggest turkey farmer in Europe. The company was bought by entrepreneur Ranjit Singh Boparan in 2016 and now employs more than 2,000 people.