Unite criticises Co-op plan to move Glasgow factory to Merseyside

Co-op Funeralcare has confirmed the proposed closure of its only coffin manufacturing facility in Shieldhall, Glasgow, as the business intends to transfer all operations from the Bogmoor Place site to a new facility in Merseyside. 

If approved, the closure would be scheduled for completion by the end of November. While the company maintains that no final decision has been made, Unite the Union has pushed back against the proposal as the Glasgow factory is a major employer in an area with high levels of social deprivation. 

The move would see the current site replaced by a new factory in North West England. According to Co-op Funeralcare, the new location would offer approximately 65 roles and allow for more central distribution across Scotland, England, and Wales.

However, Unite the union has criticised the move, claiming investment in a new purpose-built factory in Glasgow would still support the company’s growing revenue. 

The union also pointed to Co-op Group reporting a profit before tax of £116m in 2025. Operating profit stood at £6m in the latest accounts, and the funeralcare division recorded a 10% growth in pre-need funeral plan sales volumes during the period.

Sharon Graham, general secretary at Unite the Union, said: “It’s disgraceful that the Co-op has chosen to close its factory when other viable options remain on the table including a new factory in Glasgow.”

A spokesperson from Co-op Funeralcare told Funeral Service Times: “After a strategic review, we are proposing to close our current coffin factory in Glasgow, and open a new factory in North West England. This would allow us to introduce the most up-to-date manufacturing equipment and help support the growth and innovation of our Funeralcare business, whilst ensuring we are able to continue to provide the highest standards of care and service for bereaved families and their loved ones.

“We fully recognise the contribution of our colleagues at our coffin factory and understand the concern and uncertainty that this proposal will cause, and we will provide full support to those colleagues impacted. However, we have needed to balance this proposal against the current and future needs of our members and clients, and we believe this proposed change will help deliver a more sustainable Co-op Funeralcare.”

Alison MacLean, regional co-ordinating officer at Unite the Union, added: “Co-op Funeralcare is a growing and profitable side of the business. The Co-op is investing significant money on a new site therefore why is it not doing this in Glasgow? 

“This is a significant employer in an area with high levels of social deprivation. The Co-op can’t dodge its responsibility to these workers. Unite will leave no stone unturned in order to get the Co-op to reconsider this needless decision.”