The Hovis bakery in Birmingham will finally cease production today, leaving hundreds of people out of work.
The decision to shut the Garretts Green factory came after owner Premier Foods lost a £75 million a year contract to supply Co-operative supermarkets.
The Hovis factory in Birmingham is set to close with the loss of 511 jobs as the struggling business makes cut backs.
Several factories across England are being closed by Premier Foods, the owner of Hovis.
The business has been hit by rising costs of wheat caused by poor weather and stiff competition in the bread market.
– Michael Clarke, Premier Chief Executive"We recognise the impact these actions will have for our employees at the sites affected.
"Decisions will not be taken lightly but they are necessary if we are to build a strong and successful future for the bread division and those who remain with our business"
Over 500 jobs are to go at the Hovis factory and distribution operation in Birmingham. The owner, Premier Foods, is trying to restructure its struggling bread business.