THE historic Robertson's jam factory is one of three earmarked for closure by their new owner - with plans to axe hundreds of jobs in the food industry.

Families across Greater Manchester have been left reeling as Premier Foods said up to 655 jobs would go from the factories - in Droylsden, Wythenshawe and Middlewich.

In Droylsden, the Robertson's jam plant is set to close in October 2008 with the loss of 253 jobs. In Wythenshawe, 109 jobs will go when the factory, making Sharwood cooking sauces, closes in March 2009.

In Middlewich, 193 workers will go, with the factory, which makes Bisto gravy and Saxa salt products, closing by August 2008. An office there is also set to close, with the loss of 100 staff.

Premier Foods say most operations at all three sites will shift to the south, following a `review of its combined manufacturing facilities'.

The firm took over James Robertson and Son's jam works - at Droylsden since 1890 - in March, when they bought parent company RHM for £2bn.

The company, which dropped its `golly' logo in 2001, continues to produce curds, preserves and marmalade for worldwide export.

After being told of the job losses, shift workers in Droylsden, many in tears, spoke of their shock and anger. Many said they felt let down and betrayed by the plans.

One said: "It will affect Droylsden badly. It's the worst possible news and we are gutted. They called us into a meeting to tell us and another shift had to work straight after being told the news. We were treated like children."

Another angry worker said: "It stinks. People were in tears and we all feel badly let down.

"Some people have worked here for between 20 and 30 years. It was their life.

"This factory has been here for more than 100 years and it is a very sad day."

Under the closure plans, the manufacture of Robertson's jam and Golden Shred marmalade will transfer to Histon, in Cambridgeshire. Sharwoods cooking sauces and chutneys produced in Wythenshawe will transfer to Bury St Edmunds, in Suffolk, and Worksop, in Nottinghamshire. Bisto gravy and Saxa salt products currently made at Middlewich will transfer to Worksop and Ashford.

In a statement, Premier Foods said there will now be a consultation at all three plants with employees and unions.

The company said the announcements were `proposals' at this stage.

Premier Foods boss Robert Schofield said: "We understand the impact these proposals will have on the individuals directly affected and will work with them to explore opportunities for redeployment."

The TGWU said it strongly opposed the plans to close the plants and would continue to fight for their survival.