Heather Mills’ vegan factory to open in Peterlee this summer

Plant-based food factory VBites in Peterlee is due to be open within three months, businesswoman Heather Mills has confirmed.

The former Walkers Crisps factory in County Durham was taken over by VBites at the end of 2018, and has been undergoing a major refit ahead of its launch later this year.

The recent increase in popularity of vegan food and drink has prompted the expansion of Ms Mills’ business VBites, which specialises in plant-based food options.

As well as creating over 300 jobs, the site will also be used for VBites Ventures, an initiative which allows smaller plant-based producers to use VBites factories for manufacturing and worldwide distribution of their own products.

Ms Mills, originally from the North East, has been keen to create job opportunities after the Walkers factory closure hit the town in 2017. She explained: “I’ve been delighted to see some of the former workers at Walkers take up new positions with us already. We have some good people in place at Peterlee and we’re looking for more.”

Local organisation Business Durham has been working closely with VBites on the upcoming opening. Peter Rippingale, team manager of inward investment and opportunities, commented: “It’s been a pleasure to help Ms Mills with her ambitious plans to grow her business further.

“It’s great that she’s chosen her native North East as a place to do business and bring valuable jobs to the local economy.”