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Manufacturer makes phoenix-like recovery

A NORTH Tyneside food manufacturer is bringing over 300 jobs to the region, having emerged from the ashes of a devastating fire at its Longbenton headquarters.

The Findus plant was forced to close after a blaze almost destroyed it at the beginning of 2009, but with the help of two grants totalling £3.4m from One North East and North Tyneside Council, the company has been able toast its recovery by investing in hundreds of new workers.

Findus managing director, Vidar Engen, said: “The true evidence that support from One North East and the council is giving tangible results is the fact that what was a fire damaged site at Longbenton with a doomed future has now been cleaned up, machinery reinstated, and we are producing food again that will be stocked on the shelves in UK supermarkets.

“It has been a pleasure to watch products going through our production lines recently and to see smiling faces on the shop floor. We are operating in a competitive industry in a generally tough business environment, but thanks to the great public support we now have a positive outlook on growing the business and employ more people over the next months.”

The elected Mayor of North Tyneside council has praised the collaboration between the public and private sector in saving the stricken plant, and is optimistic about the future of a key employer in the borough.

Linda Arkley said: “The fire at the Findus Foods Factory was devastating for the company and the whole community as it was a valued employer.

“I am delighted that as a Council, and with a range of partners, we have been able to help the company get back onto a firm foundation that will result in more than 300 jobs in the long-term.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .