A BAKERY company has announced plans to close a major factory site, placing hundreds of jobs at risk.

Multinational baking giant CSM, which took over the running of Kate’s Cakes in 2007, formally announced closure of its Ashington bakery, near Storrington, in a letter to staff yesterday.

It is understood the site could close by the end of 2017. It has been reported that about 400 jobs in Sussex could be put at risk. Another site in Esher, Surrey, is also at risk.

The company has begun a formal consultation process with staff.

It said: “We want to acknowledge the tremendous efforts and contributions all employees have made to the business and we realise this announcement creates uncertainty for you and your family.

“We would greatly appreciate your support in helping ensure the smooth running of the factories.”

The company has six sites in the UK and proposes to open a new one alongside an existing plant in Daventry and extend another in Bradford.

CSM’s Ashington site, based on the Wiston Trading Estate, was previously owned by Kate’s Cakes, which grew from humble beginnings in a London flat in 1996.

Kate's Cakes was sold for £32 million to CSK in August 2007.