New crisp factory brings 100 jobs

Walkers said Skelmersdale was closer to its distribution centres

About 100 jobs will be created at a new factory being opened by crisp manufacturer Walkers in Lancashire.

The new plant in Skelmersdale will open in March 2006 and will produce Walkers Snack products.

It follows the firms decision to close its factory in Swansea, south Wales, with the loss of about 250 jobs.

Walkers said the Skelmersdale plant was closer to its distribution centres and transferring work there would help the company to cut costs.

'Long term savings'

Martin Glenn, president of parent company PepsiCo UK, said the new factory would boost the west Lancashire economy.

He added: "We are always looking for new opportunities to make our business as cost effective as possible, particularly in today's increasingly competitive environment.

"The production of snacks at the new Skelmersdale plant will help us to make long term cost savings and, being close to our distribution centres, make us more efficient in delivering our products to the retailers.

"It will also create a large number of new jobs in the area."