LEA & Perrins Worcestershire Sauce has been synonymous with the county for more than 150 years - and thanks to a new development at the factory, it looks set to continue that way.

Fears that the site would be closed in favour of a move to other parts of the UK, or even to Europe, were this week proven unfounded.

It was announced that the sauce will continue to be made and matured in Worcester, although it will be bottled in Birmingham.

The move will not affect any of the 35 jobs at the Midland Road plant and, in fact, new measures will ensure a further nine vacancies.

Gary Hayes, external affairs manager for HP Foods, which owns the company, said the workers were relieved to hear the news.

"Workers in a small factory like this are always concerned about their jobs," he said. "Every major player, from Heinz to Nestle, are closing down smaller outlets and in some cases moving them to Europe.

"But Lea & Perrins is a unique product and we were very keen to maintain its history and heritage by securing this site."

As well as maintaining the production of Lea & Perrins, the Worcester factory will also start to produce the Rajah range of pickles and spices owned by HP.

Indian spices

"The idea is to make Worcester our new flavours house. As well as the Worcestershire sauce brands we will also make these new Indian spices," added Mr Hayes.

"Worcester is a very flexible plant with the ability to support our new development plans, which we estimate will cost around £2m to implement."

Around 150,000 bottles of Worcestershire Sauce are produced in Worcester every day and are exported to 57 different countries, with the Americans being among the biggest fans.

"An estimated 90 per cent of restaurants around the world have a bottle behind the bar," said Ray Robinson.

"The Americans can't get enough of it, and it is used as an ingredient in a whole host of different meals.

"Did you know the first Caesar salad was made with Worcestershire Sauce?"

But far from relying on the popularity of one product, the company is developing all the time.

A table sauce released three years ago is now so popular around 70,000 bottles are produced a day.

What has been described as "an interesting innovation" is currently under development, although further details are not forthcoming.

"We are working on things all the time," added Mr Robinson. "But the core to our business is the Lea & Perrins Worcestershire Sauce.

"Thanks to our secret ingredient, the sauce is unique to Worcestershire, and with these changes we aim to keep it that way."