Baker & Baker, the European specialist bakery products manufacturer, welcomed Andrew Griffith MP to its Ashington site for a factory visit last week.
As one of constituency’s key local employers, Andrew was keen to learn more about Baker & Baker’s position in the bakery industry and its product portfolio, their recruitment strategy within the local area, and investment in sustainability initiatives.
Baker & Baker works closely with local young people who are pursuing vocational qualifications and a career in the food industry, in collaboration with other local partners.
Andrew was given a full factory tour, during which Baker & Baker’s Plant Manager Matt Ball highlighted the business’s range of 100% gluten free bakery products that are made exclusively for UK retailers in Ashington.
In addition to its Ashington factory that hosts 210 people, the business operates three other manufacturing sites across the UK, employing 1,400 people in total.
Matt Ball, Plant Manager for Ashington at Baker & Baker, commented:
“It was great to welcome Andrew to our Ashington site, and discuss the challenges and opportunities we currently face as a food manufacturer and a large employer locally.
We are keen to develop long-term relationships with key partners such as Andrew, working together to promote the career opportunities available for young people and the importance of food manufacturing to the UK economy.”
Andrew Griffith MP commented:
“It was great to see the wide-ranging operation at Baker & Baker employing hundreds of local people.
I was glad to hear about the leading efforts being made by the company to support young people in obtaining vocational qualifications, paving the way for wider access to high-skilled employment.”