Pladis invests £68 million to boost UK manufacturing capacity
- Pladis announces a £68 million investment into UK manufacturing.
- The focus of investment includes a £33 million overhaul of the Liverpool Aintree site and £21 million for a new chocolate moulding line in Stockport.
- This initiative reflects Pladis's commitment to growth and modernization of its operations in the UK.
In a significant move to strengthen its operations in the United Kingdom, Pladis, the Turkish-owned company known for its popular brands like McVitie's and Jacob's, announced a substantial investment of £68 million aimed at enhancing manufacturing capacity and productivity across its UK facilities. Scheduled to be completed by the end of 2026, this investment reflects Pladis's commitment to fostering the growth of its beloved brands in a competitive market. The majority of the investment will be focused on locations in the north-west of England, where Pladis intends to carry out a £33 million comprehensive refurbishment of its Liverpool Aintree factory, renowned for producing Jacob's cream crackers. This renovation will include the installation of state-of-the-art ovens and improvements to the overall infrastructure. Notably, the announcement comes in light of earlier plans to downsize the Aintree site, which had placed 361 workers at risk of redundancy. In addition to the Aintree overhaul, Pladis is set to allocate £21 million towards establishing a new chocolate moulding line at its Stockport factory specializing in Jaffa Cakes. Moreover, the investment will facilitate the creation of 48 new jobs at the world’s oldest biscuit factory located in Carlisle, with an additional £2 million earmarked for enhancing operations there. The plans also include a £12 million investment directed at supporting infrastructure improvements across various sites, such as those in Halifax, Harlesden in north London, and Leicester. Mete Buyurgan, the managing director of Pladis in the UK and Ireland, emphasized the importance of these investments, stating that it marks a pivotal moment in revitalizing manufacturing capabilities and unlocking further growth for Pladis's well-loved brands. The extensive investment is aimed at ensuring that the company not only retains its competitive edge but also meets customer demands efficiently. As Pladis anticipates completing this ambitious plan within the next few years, it underscores the company's broader vision of nurturing its legacy brands while adapting to the evolving market landscape.