The new owner of the former Findus factory at Longbenton has revealed the factory will return to full production by the end of 2010.
After receiving £2M from the regional development agency, One North East, Longbenton Foods will reinstall and repair on-site machinery to produce frozen foods such as fish fingers, as well as crispy pancakes. The move is said to create around 300 jobs, once the factory is running at full capacity. The site is one of the region’s largest food manufacturers.
Labour MP for North Tyneside, Stephen Byers, said the council had been working hard to secure a new owner since the factory was closed. “The decision by One North East to provide financial support is a massive boost,” he added.
The former Findus factory was forced to shed its entire 420-strong workforce after administrators closed down the plant when it was devastated by a fire in January 2009.