New jobs at Linda McCartney food group

Food producer Hain Celestial Group is creating 65 new jobs at its factory in Fakenham, which is best known for manufacturing the Linda McCartney meat-free range.

The move, which will double the number of production staff, follows a successful relaunch of the Linda McCartney range.

Hain Celestial Group acquired the Linda McCartney brand from Heinz in 2006 and has boosted sales with the help of new and improved recipes, new products and updated packaging.

About half the products made at Fakenham are in the Linda McCartney range. The factory also produces meat-free products under the Ross brand and desserts under various names.

Hain also has a plant at Luton which produces chilled food products.

The company said the expansion plans reinforced its commitment to Fakenham.

Graham Trevor, head of HR at Hain Celestial UK, said: "The fact that we have been able to create these new positions is great news for the local economy, and demonstrates our commitment to Fakenham. It also reflects our confidence in the future of the Linda McCartney brand."

Mr Trevor said the jobs were available in four-hour or eight-hour shift patterns, meaning a maximum of 130 people could be recruited under the plans.

It's a turnaround in fortunes at the business, which last year cut 50 jobs at the factory after a review showed that output exceeded demand.

Hain Celestial Group said it intended to grow its profile in the United Kingdom by introducing new products, including new product development within the Linda McCartney range in 2008.

Hain Celestial UK is based in Luton, with the headquarters of the Hain Celestial Group in New York. The business specialises in the manufacture and sale of natural and organic food and personal care products.

News of expansion at the Fakenham site comes just a week after a surprise visit by Beatles legend Sir Paul McCartney.

During the visit Sir Paul chatted and waved to staff and even tried his hand at putting pasta into a packaging tray on the production line. He was accompanied by his daughter Mary who took pictures as they toured the production facilities.

Source: Eastern Daily Press