Haribo reveals plan for £92m Yorkshire factory
HARIBO has unveiled plans for a new £92m factory, which will create almost 300 jobs in Yorkshire.
Business Secretary Vince Cable will visit the Castleford-based site today to see work get underway on the multi-million pound factory, which will span 30,700 sq m and once fully operational, will see 48,000 tonnes of treats produced there each year.
The German confectionary giant’s new West Yorkshire site will be based at Junction 31 of the M62 and will complement its existing factory in Pontefract, which employs 540 people. The new factory will create 286 jobs.
Preparation work is currently underway and it is expected that work will be completed by April 2015, with the first two production lines fully operational later in the same year.
In 2011 Haribo was awarded £6.4m from the UK government as part of the Regional Growth Fund Round 1.
Managing director of Haribo UK, Herwig Vennekens said: “After two years of planning, it’s great to finally get to the stage where we are setting the foundations that support our plans for growth within the UK.
“Whilst our new factory marks a major investment for our company, we are pleased that our vision has also been supported by the Government’s Regional Growth Fund, without which our plans would not have been realised.
“This investment in a new facility will enhance Haribo’s production capabilities and help us to meet the growing demand for our products. Our existing factory is near capacity and so this new site will allow for progressive expansion, enabling us to continue to extend our offering and to develop new and innovative products.
“Haribo has performed extremely well within the UK market during the last 12 months, and over the last six years it has experienced double digit growth year-on-year. Despite challenging market conditions, strong sales have continued to reinforce Haribo’s position as the UK’s leading gums and jellies brand. This is testament to great tasting, quality products and in part to the increasing popularity of our top selling treats.
“This is very exciting times for Haribo within the UK as we strengthen our footprint across Yorkshire and reinforce our position as one of the UK’s leading confectionery brands.”
Leeds-based Wates Construction has been appointed as preferred contractor for the build and will be responsible for the construction of the new factory.
Business Secretary Vince Cable said: “Haribo’s investment in Yorkshire, supported by £6.4m from the Regional Growth Fund, is a boost for the region creating 286 jobs and increasing manufacturing activity.
“The Regional Growth Fund is supporting firms, small and large, across the country to expand, complementing the Government’s industrial strategy. Round 5 opens for applications tomorrow and I urge businesses to see how it can help them hire more people or expand to new markets.”
The recruitment process for the new facility has already started with 15 individuals joining the Haribo team. Roles available will vary, from machine operators through to management positions.
Haribo has been producing sweet treats in the UK for nearly 20 years. The brand first came to the UK in the early 70’s when shares were purchased in Dunhills of Pontefract; all remaining shares in Dunhills were purchased in 1994.
