British Sugar has proposed shutting down its facility at Cantley in the Norfolk Broads, a decision affecting more than 100 employees. The company cited the need to improve efficiency and support the long-term viability of the UK sugar industry as reasons for the proposal. The site, which opened in 1912 and has operated for over a century, could cease operations by the end of February 2027.
The closure would consolidate the company’s beet processing activities across three remaining locations: Wissington in west Norfolk, Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk, and Newark in Nottinghamshire. Keith Packer, managing director at British Sugar, stated the decision followed a comprehensive business review and reflected external challenges including depressed European sugar prices, elevated energy expenses, and a sustained decline in market volumes over the long term. The company indicated that all employees at the Cantley location may be affected and announced it would begin discussions with Unite union and other worker representatives.
Local political representatives have expressed concern about the broader regional impact. Jerome Mayhew, Conservative MP for Broadland and Fakenham, characterized the announcement as devastating and warned of significant implications for Norfolk farmers. He noted that the facility dominates the local village and has been central to the regional farming sector for more than a century. The closure could result in increased transportation costs for farmers accessing alternative processing facilities and pose economic challenges for businesses supporting current operations at the site.
Mayhew indicated the company reported losses over the past three years and called for an urgent meeting with British Sugar leadership to examine all potential options for preserving the plant. He emphasized the need to thoroughly evaluate assumptions regarding Cantley’s viability. The factory currently produces approximately 130,000 tonnes of sugar annually and underwent a £11m investment in recent years to enhance energy efficiency. A consultation process will be conducted before any final decisions are made, with the facility continuing normal operations throughout the year.