By . Steve Robson . PUBLISHED: . 07:01 EST, 20 November 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 07:32 EST, 20 November 2012 . The owner of Hovis is set to close two bakeries and cut 900 jobs as part of plans to overhaul the struggling bread business. The worst-hit will be Birmingham, where 511 jobs are to be lost with the closure of a factory and distribution operation. Hovis operations at Greenford, west London, will also close, costing 196 jobs, while the company’s owner, Premier Foods, is also preparing to shut distribution sites at Plymouth and Mendlesham, Suffolk, resulting in the loss of 95 jobs in total. Scroll down for video . Struggling: Bread maker Hovis is set to cut 900 jobs as part of an overhaul to try and revive the business . Cuts: Hovis will close operations in Birmingham, London, Plymouth and Suffolk . The closures are subject to consultation with employees but are scheduled to take place during the course of 2013. St Albans-based Premier, which also makes Mr Kipling cakes and Bisto gravy, has seen its Hovis division hit by intense competition in the bread market and a surge in wheat price inflation caused by poor weather. Historic: The Hovis brand began in 1886 and was later patented by baker Richard 'Stoney' Smith . Products: Hovis launched an 'invisible crust' loaf in 2005 in a bid to entice children who don't like to eat their crusts . And it is set to lose a £75 million-a-year contract with a major grocery chain from the middle of next year after Premier was unable to agree a new deal on sufficiently attractive terms. It is cutting 130 distribution routes and closing the supply centres to take into account the expected reduction in volumes. The historic brand, which first began in 1886, and was later patented by baker Richard 'Stoney' Smith. Hovis became well-known for a series of heart-warming adverts in the 1970s. The 1973 advert 'Boy on Bike', filmed by Hollywood director Ridley Scott, was voted the nation's favourite advert of all time in 2006. Heart-warming: The famous Hovis 'Bike' advert from 1973 was once voted that nation's favourite ad of all time . Premier chief executive Michael Clarke said: '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.' See the famous 'Boy on Bike' advert from 1973 here .
Premier Foods to close operations in Birmingham, London, Plymouth and Suffolk .
Historic brand has been hit by intense competition in the bread market and a surge in the price of wheat caused by poor weather .
By . Steve Robson . PUBLISHED: . 07:01 EST, 20 November 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 07:32 EST, 20 November 2012 . The owner of Hovis is set to close two bakeries and cut 900 jobs as part of plans to overhaul the struggling bread business. The worst-hit will be Birmingham, where 511 jobs are to be lost with the closure of a factory and distribution operation. Hovis operations at Greenford, west London, will also close, costing 196 jobs, while the company’s owner, Premier Foods, is also preparing to shut distribution sites at Plymouth and Mendlesham, Suffolk, resulting in the loss of 95 jobs in total. Scroll down for video . Struggling: Bread maker Hovis is set to cut 900 jobs as part of an overhaul to try and revive the business . Cuts: Hovis will close operations in Birmingham, London, Plymouth and Suffolk . The closures are subject to consultation with employees but are scheduled to take place during the course of 2013. St Albans-based Premier, which also makes Mr Kipling cakes and Bisto gravy, has seen its Hovis division hit by intense competition in the bread market and a surge in wheat price inflation caused by poor weather. Historic: The Hovis brand began in 1886 and was later patented by baker Richard 'Stoney' Smith . Products: Hovis launched an 'invisible crust' loaf in 2005 in a bid to entice children who don't like to eat their crusts . And it is set to lose a £75 million-a-year contract with a major grocery chain from the middle of next year after Premier was unable to agree a new deal on sufficiently attractive terms. It is cutting 130 distribution routes and closing the supply centres to take into account the expected reduction in volumes. The historic brand, which first began in 1886, and was later patented by baker Richard 'Stoney' Smith. Hovis became well-known for a series of heart-warming adverts in the 1970s. The 1973 advert 'Boy on Bike', filmed by Hollywood director Ridley Scott, was voted the nation's favourite advert of all time in 2006. Heart-warming: The famous Hovis 'Bike' advert from 1973 was once voted that nation's favourite ad of all time . Premier chief executive Michael Clarke said: '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.' See the famous 'Boy on Bike' advert from 1973 here .
operations in Birmingham, London, Plymouth and division hit by intense competition in the bread market and a surge in wheat price inflation caused by poor weather. Historic: The Hovis brand