RECENT suggestions that 200 employees from Kensey Foods, on Pennygillam Industrial Estate in Launceston, that was due to close at the end of July, have been unable to find alternative employment have been shut down by bosses who claim they are still working hard to help staff ‘find new opportunities’.

A spokesperson from Kensey Foods said: “We have recently undertaken three days of jobs fairs, with around 30 local employers attending plus other support agencies, so it is too early to state any numbers. We have had an excellent response from other employers in the area, getting in touch with us about potential vacancies.

“We have been working very hard to identify other job opportunities for our colleagues at Kensey, including with these and other events and helping on other aspects such as CV writing. In addition, some individuals are redeploying to our Cornwall Bakery site in Callington or our other businesses elsewhere. We will continue to work hard, along with other local organisations, to help as many people as possible find new opportunities.”

The site, described as one of the biggest industrial premises in Cornwall, is currently up for sale jointly with Stratton Creber Commercial and Knight Frank.

Of interest to food manufacturers and property developers, the high-profile site extends to more than 200,000 square feet on 11 acres and fronts the A30.

Chris Ryland, of Stratton Creber Commercial, said: “Currently fitted out for food uses, the site also has major break up potential. As such, it is an exciting opportunity for speculative property developers who may choose to divide the existing buildings into smaller units and build on the additional car park.”

The production areas benefit from access to large power supplies to run plant, including ovens and refrigerated areas. Offices and amenity spaces are arranged to the rear of the site. Offers are sought in the region of £4.35-million, which reflects a competitive rate of less than £22 per square foot.

Chris added: “We are expecting strong levels of interest.”

Looking into the history of the economically important site, Kensey Foods was constructed in three distinct phases, from the late 1980s through to post 2010, the buildings have been designed to run together as one facility.

Before Kensey Foods came to Launceston the big employer in the town was Abru, who made aluminium ladders. Abru stood where Martins Cash and Carry is now. The last Cornish ladder was made at Abru in 1997.

Providing a bit of history, local historian Roger Pyke said: “Kensey Foods was constructed on a green field site. The only history to the site is that it was built on what was Pennygillam Farm and previously in ancient times the land formed part of the aftermath common lands, providing funds for the poor of the borough. These were sold off during the mid 19th century with the money raised invested.”

Do any of our readers have photographs from the opening of the site?