A major employer in Appleshaw, near Andover, could close in January 2027 after Pilgrim’s Europe announced plans to shut its lamb packing plant.
The company has started consulting with staff over the proposed closure of its facility at Tilly Down, Appleshaw, which has been part of the local community for many years.
The closure is being considered following a review of Pilgrim’s Europe’s lamb business and the planned sale of its abattoir in Llanidloes, Wales, to meat processing company ABP.
The Appleshaw factory is not included in that sale.
According to industry reports, the proposed closure follows the loss of key retail lamb contracts due to end in January.
The company says it hopes to find alternative employment for affected staff at other UK sites where possible.
How Many Jobs Could Be Affected?
The number of jobs potentially at risk has not yet been confirmed.
However, a John Lewis Partnership supplier register published in January 2026 recorded 355 workers at the Appleshaw site.
This figure provides an indication of the factory’s importance as a local employer, although it is not a confirmed number of redundancies. Staffing levels may have changed since January.
The outcome will depend on the consultation process and whether alternative employment can be found.
A Long History in Appleshaw
The facility was previously operated by Randall Parker Foods before becoming part of Pilgrim’s UK in November 2021.
At the time of the takeover, the company announced plans for further investment at its Andover and Welsh facilities.
The Appleshaw workforce has also been involved in supporting the local community.
In 2024, employees chose Enham Trust as their charity of the year, helping with fundraising events, community activities and donations.
Their support included providing food for a Christmas fayre barbecue, which raised more than £1,500, alongside other staff fundraising initiatives.
The factory also helped connect Enham Trust with the Walnut Tree Appleshaw Community Team, which supported further fundraising.
What Happens Next?
Pilgrim’s Europe says the proposed closure would take place towards the end of January 2027, subject to consultation.
The company has not yet confirmed how many employees could lose their jobs, whether alternative uses for the site are being considered or what will happen to the premises if closure goes ahead.
For Appleshaw and the surrounding Andover area, the potential loss of a longstanding employer could have consequences for workers, their families and the wider community.
The closure remains a proposal, with no final decision confirmed following the consultation process.