Member Article

Tea production to return to North Shields

Tea production is set to return to North Shields following the purchase of the former Twinings site by Keith Spicer Ltd.

Company representatives met with North Tyneside elected Mayor, Linda Arkley at the Earl Grey Way site, where they heard of the company’s plans from Spicer’s chief operating officer, Andy Pepper.

Spicers is investing in machinery and equipment with the aim of beginning production before the end of the year.

Recruitment for key positions at the Earl Grey Way site has started, and will gradually increase as production ramps up to three shift operation at the purpose built factory site.

Elected Mrs Arkley said: “I am delighted that such a prestigious company as Spicers have chosen North Tyneside to expand their production base in the UK.

“We have a very talented workforce here in North Tyneside and I am confident that Spicers will thrive in our borough and be a real driver to the economy of the North East.”

North Tyneside Council is supporting the company recruitment and training, and is also helping Spicers to explore alternative energy sources.

Andy Pepper said: “We’re very excited to bring tea production back to Earl Grey Way and are very much looking forward to establishing our second manufacturing site in the UK, here in North Shields.”

Spicers is a Bournemouth based company, which is part of the larger international Harris Group.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .