The owner of McVitie’s has announced that it is investing £21m into the company’s flagship factory in Stockport.
The site on Wellington Road North site first opened in 1917, and is where the company manufactures its iconic Jaffa Cakes and Penguin bars. It also features a chocolate refinery which makes the chocolate used to top McVitie’s seminal Digestive Biscuits.
The investment into the site is set to be used to fund a new chocolate moulding line that will feature state-of-the-art robotics.
The investment will also create 45 new jobs at the facility.
Anthony Coulson, general manager of the pladis Stockport factory, said: “Our Stockport site has a proud history and an exciting future. 80 million packets of McVitie’s Chocolate Digestives are made every year, with all of the chocolate made in Greater Manchester.
“Today’s investment will bolster our presence in the region and future proof our heritage brands, providing more people with the biscuits they love”.
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The £21m investment in Stockport is part of a broader £68 million investment by Pladis in the UK.
“McVitie’s is part of the fabric of our town, and this investment helps secure its future here for generations to come – cementing Stockport as the official home of not just the iconic Jaffa Cake, but now the McVitie’s Chocolate Digestive too.”
Stockport MP Navendu Mishra said: “I warmly welcome Pladis’ £21 million investment in their Stockport factory.
“This significant investment, which will create 45 new jobs, not only safeguards hundreds of existing roles but also reinforces Stockport’s reputation as a vital hub for innovation and industry- protecting our town’s proud manufacturing heritage and future.
“Supporting world-famous brands like McVitie’s here in Stockport boosts our local economy and community, and I look forward to seeing this growth continue for many years to come.”
He added: “This investment in Stockport is excellent news for Greater Manchester and its advanced manufacturing sector.
“Introducing new state-of-the-art robotic technology at the site of the iconic and much-loved biscuit brand strengthens our position as a leading innovation hub while creating 45 new jobs for local people.
“Investments like this reinforce Greater Manchester’s reputation as the ideal location for food manufacturing businesses looking to innovate and scale.
“We’re committed to enabling further developments that bring both technological advancement and meaningful job creation to our city-region.
“It’s a significant vote of confidence in Greater Manchester’s skilled workforce and our dedication to supporting businesses that drive regional growth.”
