Pladis, the company behind the Jacob’s, McVitie’s and Godiva brands, is to invest £68 million across its UK operations, with the bulk of the cash earmarked for its sites in the North West of England.

Pladis said the additional capital will be used to increase capacity, capability and productivity through the introduction of more automated lines and updated factory infrastructure.

The biscuit and cracker maker is also targeting a sustainability benefit. Investments in its UK operations are expected to cut 876 tonnes of carbon emissions each year.

In Stockport, the home of the McVitie’s Jaffa Cake, Pladis is investing £21 million to introduce a new chocolate moulding line featuring state-of-the-art robotic technology.

Liverpool’s Aintree site, known for baking Jacob’s Cream Crackers, will benefit from a £33 million overhaul. This comprehensive refurbishment includes the installation of new ovens and infrastructure, ensuring the facility is fit for the future.

In Carlisle, £2 million will be used to invest in the savoury assortments department, resulting in the bakery recruiting and training 48 new staff. This Carlisle site, the world’s oldest biscuit factory, has been in operation since 1831 and currently employs around 800 people.

This vote of confidence in the North West as a manufacturing powerhouse comes on the back of new data which revealed Pladis’ manufacturing operations generate almost £240 million for the regional economy each year.

An additional £12 million has been allocated to support infrastructure across its UK sites which — alongside Stockport, Liverpool and Carlisle — include facilities in Halifax, Harlesden in North London and Leicester.

Pladis’ UK & Ireland managing director Mete Buyurgan said: “Today’s announcement is an important milestone in renovating our sites and unlocking capacity for our growth story.

“We have a fantastic suite of much-loved brands, baked by dedicated colleagues, and we have a responsibility to continue to nurture these brands for customers and consumers across the world. The news of these investments we are sharing today will enable us to achieve this.”

Founded in 2016, Pladis employs 16,000 people across 27 bakeries and factories in 11 countries, with its brands sold in more than 110 nations.

The investment follows a period of sustained growth for Pladis, with group revenues including the UK increasing by 8% year-on-year to £2.8 billion.