Press Releases

January 05 2009

Bakery completion boosts job security

The completion of a new £16m bakery has reinforced the security of 300 east Manchester jobs.

The construction of the new Greggs North West head quarters in Parkhouse Street, Openshaw, was completed just before Christmas and it will be fully operational by March this year when all departments migrate from Greggs’ current site in Clayton.

The 75,000 sq ft bakery development was enabled through a joint deal between Manchester City Council, New East Manchester and Greggs, and was assisted by a £7 million grant from the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA).

The relocation from it current base in nearby Clayton to the new site will also lead to the development of many higher skilled jobs in the new bakery and the expansion of employment in local shops.

Ian Pegg, Managing Director of Greggs North West, said: “As a major employer in east Manchester, we are delighted that the construction of the new bakery is now complete. With an existing pessimism currently surrounding economy and jobs market, it is fantastic to reinforce our commitment to the local area and the wider region that we serve.”

Eddie Smith, Chief Executive of New East Manchester, said: “The new bakery demonstrates Greggs’ commitment to east Manchester and enables hundreds of local workers to look forward to a bright future with this growing company.

“The new building is impressive and shows that high quality business premises can be a valuable addition to the environment.

“We are proud to have played our part in the partnership between this private business and the public sector to bring about the development.  The whole community will benefit from the company’s expansion and continued success.”

Damien Bourke, Policy and Partnerships Manager at the NWDA, said: “Relocation of the bakery has supported our drive to secure wider regeneration for Clayton as part of the New East Manchester programme. I am pleased that our investment has also secured jobs in east Manchester, which is a welcome additional outcome in this tougher economic climate.”

Greggs is one of the UK’s leading sandwich and savoury goods retailers with 140 shops in the North West and more than 1,200 nationwide. Greggs North West was established in 1976 and employs 1,750 people who provide baked goods across the North West.