An ice cream factory is to get a £50 million investment, showing confidence in the site’s workers, the company has said.
Food and household goods giant Unilever’s ice cream factory in Gloucester is home to the UK production of products including Viennetta, Solero and Magnum. The Magnum Ice Cream Company said it has invested £50 million to expand and update the factory.
Jamie Farrell, of the international firm’s UK and Ireland division, said: “Gloucester will play a central role in [Magnum’s] journey, and we are proud to be investing in its future.”
The upgrade includes a complete rebuild of the factory’s mix plant, installation of advanced blending systems and the commissioning of new high-speed production lines.
Mr Farrell added: “We’ve got a long history here. This is the biggest investment programme since the factory opened in 1985. “It really is a statement. It’s a real vote of confidence in this site and the people who work here.”
Craig Lee, manager at the factory, said he had worked there for 20 years after initially starting for a summer season. “It’s genuinely a fun place to work, it’s a good product to make. We make a product that brings smiles to people’s faces every day,” Mr Lee said.
“We’re extremely proud. There’s a lot of confidence in the factory and the team here in Gloucester.” Founded in 1959, the Gloucester site is the second largest ice cream factory in Europe and currently produces over 600 million ice creams every year, said Unilever, with more than 80% of this for the UK ice cream market.
Jason Stockwood, minister of state for UK Investment, said: “There are a lot of good things happening in this country. This is a global company and they’re making a conscious choice to be here. “People want to invest in this country.”