Sweet taste of success as company invests in future

Leeds-based Morris & Son has invested 200,000 into a manufacturing and packing facility for its Stockley's Sweets business in Lancashire.

Morris & Son has moved the confectionery manufacturer from Oswaldtwistle to the 20,000 sq ft Mitre House in Shadsworth Business Park, in Blackburn.

Morris & Son bought Stockley's in November last year, saving the 90-year-old firm from administration and securing the jobs of 38 staff.

Andy Needham, the chairman of Stockley's and managing director of Morris & Son, said: "The new factory has allowed us to streamline our operations, reduce transportation and duplication costs while providing us with the breathing space we need as we look to future growth.

"It's a significant move for the business which will vastly improve our efficiency going forward, but also reflects the strong performance over recent months."

Mr Needham became managing director and majority shareholder of Morris & Son when he bought the firm through an MBI (management buy-in) in August 2003.

The company has just completed its most successful trading period, with turnover exceeding 15m in 2009. The firm employs 80 staff across four sites.