PHILIP Dunne, Ludlow’s MP, visited Kerry’s Food Ingredients and Flavours’ business in Burford to view the new plant lines currently under construction.

Mr Dunne said: “I was delighted to visit the rapidly expanding food ingredients business which Kerry is developing at its Burford site in South Shropshire.

“This major international business is investing over £4 million in adding two new plant lines to its existing facilities and will shortly start recruiting to add 60 jobs to its existing 300-strong workforce. This will be an excellent jobs boost for South Shropshire.”

Sean Austin, site general manager, showed Mr Dunne around the site with Dave Kemp, Kerry’s business unit director, meeting staff and explaining the scale and range of its food ingredients and flavours business.

Kerry has expanded from the original fruit-based jam and flavours business to produce a wide range of ingredients for the food service and manufacturing industry, including developing a range of syrups for coffee shops and now pastry filling exports to the Middle East.

Mr Austin said: “Philip Dunne’s visit was welcome and timely.

“Our business has expanded steadily in Burford over the past 16 years and we are now in the midst of a major investment to consolidate further our position as one of South Shropshire’s largest food businesses.

“We are raising our profile within the community and were, therefore, pleased to secure the support of our local MP.”