London-based Pladis Group, the snacking giant and owner of the McVitie's, Jacob's, and Godiva brands, has announced a record investment of £68 million in its UK operations, with a particular focus on its North West facilities. This is a confidence boost for the British manufacturing industry, set to strengthen the production capacity and efficiency of its sites and reduce CO₂ emissions by 876 tons annually.
In Stockport, home of the iconic Jaffa Cakes, £21 million will be invested in a new robotic chocolate molding line. The Aintree plant in Liverpool, specializing in Jacob's Cream Crackers, will receive £33 million for the installation of new ovens and a complete infrastructure upgrade. In Carlisle, at the world's oldest biscuit factory (in operation since 1831), £2 million will be used to expand the savory snacks department, with the hiring and training of 48 new workers.
A further £12 million will be allocated to infrastructure upgrades at other UK sites, including those in Halifax, Harlesden (London), and Leicester. According to Pladis, the investment will not only support the growth of globally renowned brands but will also contribute to local economic development: its manufacturing operations generate approximately £240 million annually for the North West economy.
“This announcement represents a key step in revamping our sites and laying the foundation for future growth,” said Mete Buyurgan, managing director UK & Ireland at Pladis. “We have a responsibility to evolve our brands for customers and consumers around the world.”
The investment will be completed by 2026. Pladis, founded in 2016, employs 16.000 people at 27 production sites in 11 countries and distributes its brands in over 110 countries. In 2023, it reported global revenues of £8 billion, up 2,8%.
