The Browns Food Group. Kirkconnel, Scotland, has inked a deal to buy the Hall's meat brand from its Dutch owner, the Vion Food Group. The purchase doesnt include production facilities. Eindhoven-based Vion confirmed the closure of the Hall's meat factory in West Lothian with the loss of 1,700 jobs,
"It is especially fitting that we agreed the deal so close to Burns Night, as Hall's is one of the world's largest suppliers of haggis," said Browns Finance Director Alan Hill. "We intend to invest heavily in the Hall's brand, and we will preserve and increase its reputation by offering food that is both good quality and good value. This will also lead to job creation and security going forward."
Browns Food Group is one of the UK's leading food manufacturers. It operates from seven manufacturing sites in Scotland and England, producing and supplying an extensive range in cooked meats, ready meals, salmon, poultry products, convenience foods and a variety of delicatessen items. Halls branded sausage and haggis products will continue to be made -- but in Brown Group factories at Prestwick and North Berwick. Halls van distribution operation, with 50 employees, will be retained.
