Greggs has announced plans to close four of its UK manufacturing sites and cut approximately 740 jobs as part of a major restructuring of its supply chain.
The bakery chain confirmed on 30 September 2026 that the closures will be phased over the next two and a half years. The affected factories are located in Enfield in North London, North Lakes near Penrith in Cumbria, Pettigrews in Kelso in the Scottish Borders, and Seaham in County Durham.
In addition to the four closures, the company’s site in Treforest, Wales, will cease manufacturing operations but will remain open as a distribution centre.
Greggs stated that the move is designed to “future-proof” the business as it works toward a long-term goal of operating 3,500 shops across the UK. Despite the manufacturing cuts, the company emphasised that its retail shops will not be affected by these changes and will continue to operate as normal.
The restructuring is expected to cost the business £60 million upfront. However, it is projected to generate annual savings of around £20 million from 2028 onwards. CEO Roisin Currie described the overhaul as a necessary step to streamline operations against changing customer expectations and ongoing inflationary pressures.
The announcement comes despite a period of strong financial performance for the high-street favourite. In a trading update for the third quarter of 2026, Greggs reported a 7.7% rise in total sales. The company remains on track to open between 100 and 110 net new shops by the end of this year.
According to The Guardian, the 740 job losses represent a significant portion of the firm’s manufacturing workforce, though the company intends to expand its retail staff as it opens new outlets.
Consultations with trade unions and employee representatives are expected to begin shortly. The company has indicated that the 30-month timeline for the closures is intended to manage the transition and support affected staff.
Strategic shift to distribution
The decision to convert the Treforest site into a distribution-only hub reflects a wider shift in how Greggs manages its logistics. By centralising more of its manufacturing into larger, more efficient hubs, the company aims to support its growing network of shops more effectively.
While 740 roles are at risk, the company’s expansion into new retail locations means it is still likely to see an overall increase in its total headcount across the UK by the end of the decade. The firm has not suggested that the price of its products, including its popular sausage rolls, will be immediately affected by the manufacturing changes.
