Jobs at food factory under threat

More than 400 jobs are under threat at a frozen food factory on Tyneside that has gone into administration.

Newcastle Production, which runs Findus Food factory in Longbenton, said on Friday it had major cash flow problems.

The news will affect up to 420 employees working at the warehouse, which is currently closed after a huge blaze last week.

Administrators, Zolfo Cooper, said that it was early days and they were currently looking for buyers.

Nick Cropper, partner at Zolfo Cooper said: "Newcastle Production is a well established local business and produces a range of high quality frozen food products in the UK, under the Findus brand - a popular and long-established food label.

"We remain confident that there will be interest from potential buyers to secure the future of this business and will need the support of all parties to achieve this."

The factory produces a range of frozen food products under the Findus brand, including crispy pancakes, ready meals, 'Findus the Fisherman' pies, bakes and fish fingers.

More than 30 firefighters were called to tackle a fire at the factory on 6 January, which devastated much of the building.

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