McVitie’s owner announces major investment in Stockport operations

McVitie’s owner, pladis, has announced a major investment into its Stockport site as part of a £68 million investment in its factories across the UK.

The investment by the group, which also owns the Jacob’s, Carr’s, and Godiva brands, aims to increase capacity and productivity, and cut CO2 emissions by 876 tonnnes annually from its manufacturing facilities across the North of England through the introduction of more automated lines and updated factory infrastructure.

In Stockport, pladis is investing £21 million to introduce a new chocolate moulding line featuring state-of-the-art robotic technology. The Wellington Road North factory is the sole location for the manufacture of Jaffa Cakes and Penguin biscuits and is also home to a major chocolate refinery for topping chocolate digestives. The move is also expected to generate an additional 45 new jobs in the town.

Sites in Aintree and Carlisle will also benefit from the investments and mark a major vote of confidence in the North West’s manufacturing facilities. A recent economic impact study analysing the firm’s contribution to the economy has revealed pladis’ manufacturing operations generation almost £240 million for the regional economy.

pladis’ UK & Ireland managing director, Mete Buyurgan said:

“Today’s announcement is an important milestone in renovating our sites and unlocking capacity for our growth story.  

“We have a fantastic suite of much-loved brands, baked by dedicated colleagues, and we have a responsibility to continue to nurture these brands for customers and consumers across the world. The news of these investments we are sharing today will enable us to achieve this.”

Anthony Coulson, general manager of the pladis Stockport factory, added:

“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.”

This current investment rollout is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2026 and has been welcomed by local leaders in Stockport.

Leader of Stockport Council, Cllr Mark Roberts, said:

“This is a major vote of confidence in Stockport – in our people, our potential and our proud industrial past.

“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, commented:

“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.”