Lloyd Maunder is to close its lamb operations at Willand, near Tiverton, although its other operations thrive.

Following the termination of an important supermarket account, originally announced last March, Lloyd Maunder has attempted to rebuild its lamb business on a broader front with new customers at home and abroad.

Whilst this has met with some success, the board was not confident that the returns were viable, given the further capital that would be needed to invest in those operations in the future and the requirements for capital spending that are expected to yield better returns elsewhere in the business.

Consultation has now begun with the Transport and General Workers Union regarding the workforce immediately affected and restructuring required.

It is estimated that approximately 180 jobs will be affected, out of a total workforce on the site of almost 1,000.

However, that figure should be reduced by the availability of some 30 new jobs in the expanding poultry, sausage and other processing operations on the site. It is intended that slaughtering of lamb will cease on Friday, February 24.