Love Hearts sweet manufacturer plans expansion

Swizzels, the firm behind classic sweets like Love Hearts, Parma Violets and Drumsticks, has announced plans for a new factory close to its existing base in Derbyshire.

Swizzels, one of the few sweet manufacturers to still produce in the UK, continues to expand its manufacturing capability and says the new factory will focus upon its future growth and product diversification.

The new factory investment will have a significant impact on the Swizzels supply chain, which stretches across the UK from locations in Derbyshire and Cheshire.

The family-owned business at New Mills in the High Peak, which produces 1.2 million sweets per day, has been the subject of TV documentaries Inside the Factory, with Masterchef presenter Gregg Wallace and ITV’s Inside Britain’s Food Factories.

Employing more than 600 people, Swizzels delivers its products to the UK’s supermarkets, wholesalers and sweet shops.

Nigel Wanford, supply chain manager for Swizzels, said: “There are major plans for a new factory at the New Mills site, where our annual production is set to increase significantly.”

The news of its latest expansion comes just months after the business, one of the oldest and largest manufacturers of confectionery in the UK, signed up to open a new site at a Cheshire business park.

In March, a full planning application was submitted to Cheshire East Council for a 458,000sq ft industrial unit at MA6NITUDE business park, of which Swizzels would take up one-third.

Swizzels also announced it has committed to extend its long-term relationship with Coventry-based IPP, a leading poolers of sustainable wooden pallets.

IPP helps the business manage its major seasonal hikes such as Hallowe’en and Christmas where sales can more than double.

The company’s relationship with IPP dates back to 2009.

Wanford said: “IPP has worked with us step-by-step over the last 11 years and we have extended the contract because we work well as a team focussed on shared values and goals, including quality and service.

“We need to be assured 24/7 that pallets are in the best condition and, critically, there when we need them, as our requirement increases in line with seasonal spikes.”

Phil Storer, UK country director for IPP, said: “Our relationship is based upon partnership and clear messaging that has become even stronger over the last 11 years.”