A NEW £2million warehouse at the pladis biscuit plant in Carlisle has been officially opened by MP, John Stevenson.

Mr Stevenson gave a speech to assembled factory workers and company officials in the new office this morning before unveiling a plaque to mark the official opening.

The site's expansion has created the need to construct a new narrow aisle warehouse with 1,600 pallet spaces.

The £2million warehouse is part of a £12million revamp of the whole factory site by operating company pladis, which has created more than 150 jobs over the past 18 months.

David Murray, UK MD of pladis, said: “Today’s announcement and expansion of our Carlisle facility marks a proud moment in the company’s 192-year history in the area.

"I want to thank the team in Carlisle who are an important part of the global pladis family.

"This investment is part of pladis' continued business transformation journey as one of the leading global snacking companies.

“We are pleased to announce the new warehouse will support the creation of 50 new jobs, further bolstering our presence in the region."

The pladis factory is one of the largest employers in the city, with more than 800 workers employed at the factory site.

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The site makes more than 40 million individual biscuits each day including some of McVities' most iconic brands including bourbons and custard creams.

Indeed, the factory makes enough ginger nuts alone in 32 hours to reach from Carlisle to Westminster.

John Stevenson, MP for Carlisle, said: “I was delighted to be invited to open the warehouse extension at pladis’ factory in Carlisle.

“This is a very welcome multi-million pound investment by pladis into the site, bringing with it 50 new jobs to the local area.

"Another real boost to the Carlisle economy with more jobs for local people.”