Sweet giant launches £35m expansion

Confectionary giant Haribo's £35m expansion of its West Yorkshire facility has officially opened, strengthening its "long-term commitment" to the area, it said.

The firm has been based in the county for more than 50 years and the expansion at its Castleford site includes a new warehouse and an additional production and packaging line.

The firm said the project would also allow it to manage future product volumes, stock additional raw materials and packaging, and modernise operations with state-of-the-art technology.

The facility was opened by the Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, who is the MP for Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley.

She said the firm was a "brilliant manufacturer who have been at the heart of our towns for decades, carrying on our sweet making tradition".

The warehouse has been developed with Yorkshire-based Caddick Construction and Haribo said it is "proud" to call the county its home.

It currently employs more than 700 people and said the expansion is a "significant milestone" in its continued investment.

Phil Murphy, the firm's chief marketing officer, said West Yorkshire played a "hugely important role" in Haribo's success across the UK.

"From the products we make here through to the people, skills and manufacturing expertise that support our operations every day.

"This investment reflects the important role West Yorkshire continues to play in that success."

Around 80% of Haribo sweets bought in the UK are produced at factories in Castleford and Pontefract and it is estimated the Castleford factory has the capacity to produce 48,000 tonnes of sweets every year.

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