MORE than a dozen new jobs have been created as a major county food producer looks to expand its business.

Vandemoortele in Lower Broadheath has plans to employ more than a dozen new staff to add to its existing workforce of nearly 60.

The company has invested in its production facilities, enabling it to move to 24-hour production making specialist baked goods for retailers and caterers.

Prior to setting up the UK, Vandemoortele was established in Izegem, Belgium, by Constant Vandemoortele and his son Adhemar.

In 1974, it started making soya goods under the product-name Alpro, a well known brand today.

It has partnered with a number of local recruiters and asked county MP Harriett Baldwin to visit and help to spread the word.

Vandemoortele plant manager Mark Parton said: "We were delighted to welcome Harriett to our site and demonstrate the significant investment the Vandemoortele business has made in its future, positioning us to be the first plant in the UK with the capability to produce pre-proofed Viennoiserie products at scale.

"We were able to discuss the benefits this investment will bring to the local community and economy through the expansion in activity, as well as the challenges we are facing in ramping up our production through the constraints of the current manpower supply shortage."

Mrs Baldwin was given a briefing on the challenges that the company is facing trying to recruit local people.

She said: "Vandemoortele took the opportunity to significantly improve its Worcestershire manufacturing facility during lockdown and it is looking to grow and take on more staff.

"I met with the local team to talk to their about their plans and hear about the challenges recruiting local people.

"The company has recently increased its pay levels to make an attractive offer to new staff and I am keen to help publicise their vacancies."