286 jobs and £92m investment at Haribo’s Yorkshire factory

Haribo is investing £92m and creating 286 jobs in a new factory in Castleford, to complement the firm’s existing Pontefract factory which employs 540 people.

The new site will span 30,700 sqm and once fully operational 48,000 tonnes of treats, including the popular Tangfastics and Starmix, will be produced at the new factory each year.

Wates Construction has been appointed as preferred contractor for the build and will be responsible for the construction of HARIBO’s new factory.

Preparation work is currently underway and it is expected that work will be completed by April 2015 with the first two production lines fully operational later in the same year.

Managing director of HARIBO UK, Herwig Vennekens said: “After two years of planning it’s great to finally get to the stage where we are setting the foundations that support our plans for growth within the UK.

“Whilst our new factory marks a major investment for our company we are pleased that our vision has also been supported by the Government’s Regional Growth Fund, without which our plans would not have been realised.

“This investment in a new facility will enhance HARIBO’s production capabilities and help us to meet the growing demand for our products. Our existing factory is near capacity and so this new site will allow for progressive expansion, enabling us to continue to extend our offering and to develop new and innovative products.

“HARIBO has performed extremely well within the UK market during the last 12 months, and over the last six years it has experienced double digit growth year-on-year. Despite challenging market conditions, strong sales have continued to reinforce HARIBO’s position as the UK’s leading gums and jellies brand. This is testament to great tasting, quality products and in part to the increasing popularity of our top selling treats.”

“This is very exciting times for HARIBO within the UK as we strengthen our footprint across Yorkshire and reinforce our position as one of the UK’s leading confectionery brands.”

HARIBO’s new facility has been made possible thanks to funding from the UK Government. In 2011, in support of the new facility and the creation of jobs, HARIBO was awarded £6.4m from the UK government as part of the Regional Growth Fund Round 1.

Business Secretary Vince Cable said: “HARIBO’s investment in Yorkshire, supported by £6.4 million from the Regional Growth Fund, is a boost forthe region creating 286 jobs and increasing manufacturing activity.

“The Regional Growth Fund is supporting firms, small and large, across thecountry to expand, complementing the Government’s industrial strategy. Round 5 opens for applications tomorrow and I urge businesses to see how it can help them hire more people or expand to new markets.”

The recruitment process for the new facility has already started with 15 individuals joining the HARIBO team. Roles available will vary, from machine operators through to management positions.