HARIBO has strengthened its long-term commitment to UK manufacturing with the opening of a new £35m warehouse and production expansion at its Castleford site in West Yorkshire.
The investment comprises a purpose-built warehouse alongside an additional production and packaging line, increasing manufacturing capacity and modernising operations to support future growth across the confectionery manufacturer’s UK business.
The new warehouse, delivered in partnership with Yorkshire-based Caddick Construction and built using a local supply chain, will enable HARIBO to manage higher product volumes, increase storage capacity for raw materials and packaging, and further enhance operational efficiency through the introduction of new technology.
The facility will support operations at both the company’s Castleford and Pontefract sites, where more than 700 people are employed, reinforcing HARIBO’s long-standing presence in the region.
HARIBO has been based in West Yorkshire for more than five decades, with its Castleford and Pontefract factories producing confectionery sold across the UK. The expansion follows another strong year for the business, with four of the UK’s ten bestselling confectionery products belonging to the HARIBO or MAOAM brands.
Phil Murphy, chief marketing officer at HARIBO UK & Ireland, said the investment demonstrated the strategic importance of Yorkshire to the company’s manufacturing operations.
“We’ve been part of West Yorkshire for more than 50 years and we’re very proud to call it home,” he said.
“The region plays 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.
“Being the UK’s leading sweets manufacturer is something we are incredibly proud of, and this investment reflects the important role West Yorkshire continues to play in that success.”
Alongside its manufacturing investment, HARIBO continues to support the local community through long-standing partnerships and events. Earlier this month, the company celebrated an important milestone in its 18-year partnership with Martin House Children’s Hospice following the opening of THE BUILD, a purpose-built facility funded through a campaign that helped raise £2m.
The confectionery manufacturer will also return as headline sponsor of this year’s Pontefract Liquorice Festival on 12 July, celebrating the area’s historic links to sweet manufacturing.
Yvette Cooper, MP for Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley, officially opened the new warehouse and welcomed the investment.
“It was great to cut the ribbon at the opening of the new warehouse at HARIBO’s Castleford site,” she said.
“I’m really pleased that the new warehouse will allow them to expand and continue to support 700 jobs across our area.
“HARIBO are a brilliant manufacturer who have been at the heart of our towns for decades, carrying on our sweet making tradition.”
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