MALTON Bacon Factory has announced the closure of its Teesside abattoir, with the loss of 450 jobs.
Mr Max Hilliard, chief executive, said the closure of Hargrave and Co in Middlesborough was regrettable but had been forced upon them.
"We need to realign processing capacity in the light of the continuing adverse conditions in the UK pig industry and the need to remain competitive," he said.
"We are very disappointed at having to take this decision and will, wherever possible, make available a range of current and future alternative job opportunities at our factory in Malton, which is within traveling distance.
"We are committed to maintaining our major role in the UK's pigmeat industry with a cost base that is structured to sustain profitable trading."
The strength of sterling and the rising cost of processing animals are two of the main reasons for closure.
The company closed its Spalding plant in Lincolnshire in September with the loss of 1,000 jobs
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