Picture: Ben Adams
The county's top prosperity chiefs have expressed their delight
at the announcement that the Fox's Biscuits site in Uttoxeter will
remain open.
Fox's Biscuits recently announced its continuing commitment to
stay in Uttoxeter after an original proposal in 2008 to close
either the Uttoxeter site or a site in Batley, West Yorkshire. The
decision comes following completion of an 18 month investment
programme and after a review of the company's UK operations
following a takeover of parent company Northern Foods by 2 Sisters
Food Group in April.
The announcement comes hot on the heels of news that Perkins
Engineering are creating an extra 107 jobs in Stafford, and the
recent news that retail giant Amazon will be moving into
Rugeley.
County Councillor Ben Adams, Cabinet Member for Economic Growth
and Enterprise, welcomed yet more good news for the county.
"It's fantastic news that Fox's see a bright future for their
operation in Uttoxeter. Fox's provide a flavour of what makes
Staffordshire such a great place to invest and grow a business.
Staffordshire already hosts a range of international brands,
from JCB through to Michelin, and international companies are
recognising that this is a great place to do business and are
joining the Staffordshire family.
"We are at the heart of the UK economy, with great transport
links, a highly enthusiastic and multi-skilled workforce, and
significant buy in from our universities and colleges to train and
educate research and develop for an enterprise culture.
Staffordshire puts business first - providing the red carpet
treatment to bring on line prosperity, jobs and a better quality of
life."
The Fox's biscuit factory has been making biscuits in the town
since the 1920s when it set up under the name Elkes. Now, it
is one of the biggest employers in Uttoxeter, employing 750 people,
and is owned by one of the UK's top food companies, Northern Foods,
now part of 2 Sisters Food Group.