City's chocolate factory to close

More than a century of chocolate-making in Bristol is to end following the announcement that the Elizabeth Shaw factory is to close.

Most of the 160-strong workforce at the factory will be made redundant and it is expected that production will finish in Autumn 2006.

"The original factory is too old to meet the demands of modern efficient production," said director, Paul Keith.

The site at Greenbank in Easton will be sold off for redevelopment.

A small number of the staff will transfer to the company's marketing and administration department, which will remain in the Bristol area.

We have been part of the fabric of this community for over a century and it is very sad to have to bring that relationship to an end Elizabeth Shaw Director, Paul Keith

Senior managers blame rival products being manufactured in Eastern Europe and the need to out-source production of the company's key brands such as Famous Names Chocolate Liqueurs and Elizabeth Shaw Mint Crisps as causes for the decision to close the factory.

In its heyday Elizabeth Shaw employed more than 2,500 people.

The business was started in Bristol in 1881 trading under the name of HJ Packer.

Packer had previously worked for Fry's of Bristol. He began making chocolate in a house at 46, Armoury Square, Stapleton Road under the name of Packer & Co.

By 1901 the company had grown to such an extent that a new factory was commissioned at Greenbank in the Easton area of Bristol.

The factory was built to the most modern standards of the day and included one of the very first sprinkler systems installed in a confectionery plant in Europe.

"We have been part of the fabric of this community for over a century and it is very sad to have to bring that relationship to an end." said Mr Keith.