The company behind household favourites McVitie’s and GODIVA is investing £68m in its UK operations, in a major vote of confidence for British manufacturing.
London-based snacking giant pladis has earmarked the majority of the investment for its sites across the North West of England, with the aim of accelerating the growth of some of the nation’s most iconic brands, including McVitie’s and Jacob’s.
The funding will be used to enhance capacity, capability and productivity through upgraded infrastructure and increased automation, including the introduction of advanced robotic production lines. The investment is also expected to yield environmental benefits. pladis estimates the improvements will reduce annual carbon emissions by 876 tonnes – equivalent to taking approximately 440 cars off UK roads.
In Stockport, home of the beloved McVitie’s Jaffa Cake, the company is investing £21m to install a new chocolate moulding line featuring cutting-edge robotic technology. In Liverpool, the Aintree site – renowned for baking Jacob’s Cream Crackers – will undergo a £33m transformation. The refurbishment includes the installation of new ovens and supporting infrastructure to future-proof the site.
Meanwhile, the historic factory in Carlisle, the world’s oldest biscuit manufacturing site still in operation, will receive £2m to expand its savoury assortments department. As part of this upgrade, the site will recruit and train 48 new employees. The factory has been in operation since 1831 and currently employs around 800 people.
An additional £12m has been allocated to support infrastructure improvements across other UK locations, including sites in Halifax, Harlesden (North London) and Leicester.
pladis’ investment comes amid new research showing the company’s manufacturing footprint contributes almost £240m annually to the North West economy. The latest capital injection reinforces the region’s status as a key driver of UK food production.
Mete Buyurgan, Managing Director for pladis UK & Ireland, commented: “Today’s announcement marks a significant milestone in modernising our facilities and unlocking the capacity required to fuel our growth. We’re proud to be home to some of Britain’s most-loved snacking brands, made by passionate colleagues. It’s our responsibility to invest in these brands and ensure they continue to delight customers across the globe.”
The current wave of investment is scheduled for completion by the end of 2026.
Founded in 2016, pladis employs 16,000 people across 27 bakeries and factories in 11 countries. Its products are sold in more than 110 markets worldwide. The announcement follows a period of strong performance for the business. According to its most recent financial results, pladis saw group revenues – including the UK – rise by 8% year-on-year, reaching £2.8bn.
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