Tayto has decided to leave Wales after the devastating arson attack on its Real Crisps factory last September.

The crisp maker had hoped to rebuild its factory in Crumlin or find another site nearby.

However, after a six-month review it concluded that starting from scratch again with a new building in Wales would be prohibitively expensive.

“There is no doubt our hearts wanted to return to Wales,” said Tayto CEO Paul Allen. “Our staff were extremely loyal and have lost their jobs through absolutely no fault of their own. Unfortunately the numbers just didn’t stack up.”

The vast majority of Real Crisps’ production will be moved to Tayto’s factory in Corby, Northamptonshire.

Tayto, which also owns the Golden Wonder brand, said the costs involved in increasing shifts and extending the facilities in Corby were considerably less than rebuilding in Wales.

The company made 80 people redundant after the fire. A further 25 people continue to work for Tayto at other sites.

Allen said the fire had cost the company dearly, but that he appreciated the cost was greater to people in Crumlin.

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