Around 35 jobs are set to be lost in Ickleford near Hitchin after a mill announced plans to shut its milling operation after 160 years.

The Comet: Bowmans chief executive Rory Bowman.Bowmans chief executive Rory Bowman. (Image: Archant)

Jas Bowman and Sons at Ickleford Mill on Arlesey Road is to stop milling at the site – ending a heritage dating back to 1857.

Operations are expected to cease in September with most job losses likely to be through redundancies.

The company’s head office, research and development centre, and production ingredients manufacturing facility will continue to operate from the mill.

A spokesman said: “We can confirm that in the region of 35 people are employed in the milling operation at Ickleford and Bowmans will be working with them to find alternative roles within the company where possible.

“Consolidation within the milling sector has made it unsustainable for Bowmans to mill its own flour.”

Rory Bowman, chief executive of Bowman Ingredients added: “This is a positive move for the company and its customers as it will strengthen our position in the global market.

“Bowmans has a great track record of sector-leading innovation.

“The move out of milling enables us to concentrate on those areas that we predict will account for considerable growth into the future.

“I’d like to personally thank every employee for their hard work and commitment to the business.”