Hundreds of turkey jobs saved

The company has spent months in administration

Over 600 jobs in south Wales have been saved after a poultry company bought a threatened turkey processing plant .

Brandons, which has a base in Abergavenny, went into administration in April, leaving around 1,400 workers around the UK in limbo.

The business has been bought by new company Cranberry Foods Ltd which becomes one of the UK's largest turkey processors following the takeover.

The company has said it now has plans to develop the business.

Brandon's collapse was blamed on foreign imports pushing the price of its products down.

BRANDONS JOBS 650 - Abergavenny, Monm'shire 350 - Dalton, North Yorkshire 200 - Scropton, Derbyshire

Most of its employees work at processing plants in south Wales, north Yorkshire and Derbyshire, with about 150 employed on turkey farms near the plants.

Brandons is one of the biggest suppliers of turkeys in the UK and bought its Abergavenny plant from Sun Valley in 2000.

The company remained in production under the direction of receivers PricewaterhouseCoopers while they sought for new owners.

Following the acquisition, Cranberry Foods now has a turnover of £90m.

Joint managing director Andrew Lewins said they passionately believed in the future of the UK poultry sector.

'Difficult times'

"Brandons has gone through difficult times and we will review all aspects of the business, but we hope to continue the operations at current capacities.

"At this time we are looking to build upon the loyalty of the employees, customers and suppliers of this business who have stood by it through the difficult times of receivership.

"Our aim is to develop the business, and its people, and enhance our position by delivering outstanding quality and service at all times.

Monmouthshire's economic development cabinet member Pam Birchall said: "I am really please that Brandon's have found a buyer.

"When we heard that Brandon's were selling their business, it was of course a matter of great concern given the number of jobs and other local businesses dependent on the turkey factory.

"The council and our economic development partners look forward to working with the new company to develop a thriving business in the Abergavenny area."