MORE than 160 jobs were under threat today following the shock closure of Sundora Foods factory in Pocklington.

Bosses at the fruit and nut specialists, in Burnby Lane, announced that production would be transferred to Northamptonshire following a buy-out from rival firm, Whitworths.

It is believed the bulk of its workforce could be made redundant.

Sundora was established in Pocklington more than 50 years ago and employed up to 250 workers at one time.

A spokesman for the Union of Shop Distributive and Allied Workers (USDAW), who represents the majority of Sundora's staff, said they had arranged an urgent meeting with managers on Monday.

"There is a great deal of shock and disappointment at this announcement," he said.

"The first thing they Whitworths have to do is establish the rationale for the transfer. There is a serious threat over all the jobs on site."

Workers were remaining tight-lipped outside Sundora's headquarters, but one, who asked not to be named said the news had come as a shock.

The mayor of Pocklington, Coun Jo Green, said it was a major blow that would have a serious impact on the town.

A Sundora spokesman said the Pocklington factory and the warehouse at Full Sutton were not included among the business assets to be sold to Whitworths.

Whitworths was therefore proposing to transfer all production from Pocklington to its factory in Irthlingborough, Northamptonshire, once the purchase was completed, he said.

Managers said production would continue as normal at Pocklington for the time being while consultation and detailed planning took place.

Updated: 10:32 Saturday, July 30, 2005