The company has now entered into a period of collective consultation about the proposal.

Olivier Goudineau, Divisional Managing Director, said: “We are totally committed to producing the highest quality food for consumers in a sustainable and environmentally responsible way.

“Sadly, Haughley Park is an ageing site with many challenges and it does not enable us to fulfil our commitment to sustainable manufacturing.

“Our immediate priority now is to have meaningful discussions with our colleagues during this consultation period to see if other solutions can be found.”

The Haughley Park site produces roasted chicken for supermarkets and employs around 600 people.

It was acquired by the business in 2005 and developed both the roast and coated chicken products. In 2011, the coated side of the business was relocated to the business’s site in Thetford.

2 Sisters Food Group has extensive operations in Suffolk, Norfolk and Essex. Sites at Eye, Flixton, Witham, Basildon and Thetford employs in excess of 2,000 people.