1600 Scots jobs saved as Vion takeover approved

2 SISTERS Food Group’s takeover of the UK poultry business of meat processors Vion has been given the go-ahead, in a move which should secure 1,600 Scottish jobs.

Vion have been taken over. Picture: Phil Wilkinson

The Office of Fair Trading has cleared the move, meaning that jobs at three Scottish plants should be retained. Vion currently employs 1,000 people at its Coupar Angus facility, 400 at Cambuslang, and 280 at Portlethen.

Finance Secretary John Swinney has backed the move, and said that he had contacted 2 Sisters in support of the deal.

Swinney said: “I am delighted that the OFT have taken a positive decision to back vital investment in Scotland’s food and drink industry by 2 Sisters Food Group, safeguarding jobs across the country.

“We have been in contact with 2 Sisters Food Group throughout this process and I am due to meet Mr Singh in July to discuss how we can secure a strong future for these operations.”

A 2 Sisters spokesman welcomed OFT approval, saying that the deal was “good for UK consumers”.

6,000 jobs at Vion’s six other plants in England and Wales are also set to be secured by the deal.