Confectionary and snack manufacturer pladis, which owns McVitie’s, GODIVA, and Jacob’s, has announced it will invest £68 million across its British operations.

The company has earmarked the bulk of the funding for its sites in the North West of England, with the capital being used to increase capacity, capability and productivity through more automated lines and updated factory infrastructure.

Founded in 2016, pladis employs 16,000 people across 27 bakeries and factories in 11 countries, with its brands sold in over 110 nations.

The confectionary and snack manufacturer said that the move is expected to “supercharge the growth” of household brands like McVitie’s and Jacob’s.

pladis is investing £21 million in Stockport, the home of the McVitie’s Jaffa Cake, where it will introduce a new chocolate moulding line featuring "state-of-the-art" robotic technology.

Liverpool’s Aintree site, which bakes Jacob’s Cream Crackers, will receive £33 million in funding. The cash will be spent on a comprehensive refurbishment, which includes the installation of new ovens and infrastructure.

In Carlisle, £2 million will be used to invest in the savoury assortments department, resulting in the recruiting, onboarding and training of 48 new staff members.

According to the manufacturer, the Carlisle site is the world's oldest biscuit factory, having been in operation since 1831. 800 people currently work at the site.

Funding will also be shared across facilities in Halifax, Harlesden in North London, and Leicester.

As part of the move, the business is also expecting to cut 876 tonnes of carbon emissions each year – the equivalent of removing approximately 440 cars off the road.

The investment rollout is set to be completed by the end of next year.

It follows a period of sustained growth for pladis, with group revenues including the UK increasing by eight per cent year-on-year to £2.8 billion, according to its most recent financial results.

“Today’s announcement is an important milestone in renovating our sites and unlocking capacity for our growth story," said Mete Buyurgan, UK & Ireland managing director, pladis. “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.”

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