Irn-Bru manufacturer to close delivery operation this month

It said it had completed a review of its operations and decided it needed to close its Barr Direct service, which involves transporting the fizzy drink to retail outlets.

Instead, it will ask customers to purchase direct from their local wholesaler. The last Barr Direct delivery service will be completed at the end of June.

A spokesman for AG Barr said: “After a full review, we have shared with employees a proposal to close Barr Direct – our direct to store delivery operation for convenience retailers.

“Instead, the company proposes moving to an enlarged and enhanced field sales team, supplying brands through existing wholesale channels in line with our ongoing growth strategy.

“While approximately 100 staff in Scotland have entered a consultation period, we expect some new field roles will be created,” the spokesman added.

“These proposals are subject to consultation and we intend to fully support our employees through these proposed changes.”

The majority of employees believed to be affected are drivers based at the company’s Cumbernauld depot.

Last year, AG Barr was embroiled in a dispute with its Cumbernauld drivers after they went out on strike in a row over pay and conditions.