Expansion of Nestlé research centre approved

York Council planners gave the go-ahead yesterday for the multi-national firm to extend its product technology centre and “pilot plant” facility in the city.

The expansion is set to create 35 jobs and will become a focal point of Nestlé’s factory site in York.

The council’s cabinet member for city strategy Coun Dave Merrett said: “We went through a difficult time a few years ago when Nestlé announced quite a number of job losses but they have since re-invested in York and this plan shows further commitment.

“It is incredibly good news not just for the city, but also for Yorkshire as a whole as well. It is to the credit of the people who currently work there that Nestlé want this to be a research centre of excellence. The building is an attractive design and the application was passed unanimously.”

Once completed the number of jobs in the product technology centre and pilot plant will increase from 190 to 225. The development will also include conference facilities for up to 250 guests and a new plaza within the Nestlé site.

Nestlé’s product technology centre was created in 1991 and has led to the launch of products such as Kit Kat Senses, Aero Bubbles and Randoms.

A report to councillors yesterday said: “The existing centre and pilot plant is a dedicated confectionery research and development facility for Nestlé.

“The centre strives to create excellence in confectionery with tasting panellists regularly visiting the site. The centre also offers businesses and engineering support and is used to host national and international guests, partners and clients to promote the Nestlé brand and the research and development work that takes place within the site.”

The cost of the planned expansion has not been confirmed but is understood to run into several millions pounds.

In 2006 concerns emerged about the firm’s future in the city when it announced that it was to lose more than 600 jobs from its York workforce. It has since, however, invested more than £30m in new facilities at its Haxby Road site.

While the production of Smarties, Black Magic and Dairy Box was moved overseas, the York factory still makes Kit Kats, Aeros, Polos, Milky Bars and Yorkies.

In a separate scheme, the re-development of the southern half of the factory site is set to help the firm invest further in its York operations, and is seen as key to safeguarding the future of the remaining 1,800 employees.

The development to build homes, shops and offices on part of the site will bring nearly 600 jobs in a landmark project that has been in the pipeline for more than four years.

The head of the York and North Yorkshire Chamber, Susie Cawood, said earlier this week that the latest expansion plans will help ensure the company can flourish.