Uniq CEO plans reorganisation
Geoff Eaton, the new chief executive of Uniq plc, has announced a programme of initatives for the convenience food group, in the face of a challenging trading environment.
A major reorganisation of the UK division sees the creation of six, entrepreneurially-led, customer focused business units – three desserts businesses, sandwiches and dips, prepared salads, and fish and ready meals.
Each unit will be profit-accountable and under the overall leadership of new UK divisional managing director, Rick Turnbull.
“In conjunction with these changes the desserts supply chain has been reassessed. As a result Evercreech will remain open and will form the basis for one of the new desserts businesses focused on a key customer and the site’s expertise in premium desserts and cottage cheese, said Eaton.
“In Southern Europe, in convenience there are opportunities for developing category management and capitalising further on the strength of the Marie brand. Releasing the business from previous corporate restrictions will enable the business to launch the Marie brand into Belgium.“In Northern Europe there is a strong culture of cost reduction across the region.
“The opportunity is to leverage more effectively the operational strength into each market served through more focused sales and marketing effort at the local level.
“The UK restructuring is consistent with the existing ‘Fit for Purpose’ programme announced earlier in the year, but takes the principles to another level at no extra cost. It is anticpated that it will result in a headcount reduction of 75 to 90, generate substantial cost savings and ensure the businesses are leaner and more responsive to customer and market opportunities, he concluded.
