Hallmark to stop manufacturing cards at Bradford base
The loss of up to 300 jobs at Hallmark UK's base in Bradford is a "devastating blow", the Unite union has said.
The greeting cards maker has announced it will outsource all manufacturing currently carried out at its Dawson Lane site by the end of 2014.
Its headquarters and distribution centre will remain in Bradford.
Unite regional officer Chris Daly said it was "enormously disappointing" and the union would be meeting with management later.
"This is a truly devastating blow, not only for the workers at Hallmark, but also for the wider community," he said.
'Committed to Bradford'
Hallmark UK employs about 1,000 people in the city, where it has been based for more than 30 years.
Its international chief executive Steve Wright said: "By outsourcing manufacturing, we are making a strategic decision to focus our UK business on what we do best while at the same time reducing costs."
Council leader David Green said he was "working closely" with the company to help those losing their jobs.
Councillor Green said: "We understand Hallmark is still committed to providing employment in Bradford.
"Bradford will remain the home of Hallmark's international division, the design and HQ functions will stay at Bingley Road, Heaton, the distribution centre will remain at the Dawson Lane base and Hallmark will still use Bradford-based manufacturing suppliers."