The Stockport-based McVitie's factory will receive a £21 million investment providing new machinery and jobs.

The investment, which comes from McVitie's parent company pladis, will go towards a new chocolate moulding line and will help produce 45 new roles.

Included in the upgrades are 'state-of-the-art' robotics to increase efficiency.

Stockport Council described the move as a 'major vote of confidence' for manufacturing in the area.

Based on Wellington Road North in Heaton Chapel, this iconic factory has been producing biscuits and crackers since 1917. Between this site and other McVitie's factories across the North West, an estimated £240m is produced each year for the regional economy.

Stockport's McVitie's factory is the only place in the world which produces Jaffa Cakes and Penguin Bars. Earlier this year, the factory also celebrated the 100-year anniversary of the chocolate digestive.

McVitie's, based on Wellington Road North, has been producing biscuits and crackers since 1917 (Image - Nub News)

Anthony Coulson, general manager at the Stockport factory, said: "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".

Cllr Mark Roberts, Leader of Stockport Council, added: "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 also said: "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."

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