Middleton manufacturer McBride driving global production line

Rochdale Borough Council leader Richard Farnell is given a tour of the McBride site in Middleton

The McBride manufacturing plant in Middleton has become a key part of a global business; one of five strategically-important sites the international company operates.

McBride make own label products like bleach, washing-up liquid, fabric conditioner and other products for companies like Tesco and Aldi.

The plant on Middleton Way, which has had significant capital investment over the past three years, has won awards for productivity and exports products to countries like China, Vietnam and Singapore.

There are 30 research and development staff at the Middleton site, which is a centre of excellence for the company.

It opened its doors to Rochdale Borough Council leader Richard Farnell and chief executive Steve Rumbelow for a site visit where they were shown how new technology is improving productivity.

Councillor Farnell said: “It was really impressive to see such a technologically-advanced production process here in our borough.

"As a council we want to create the right environment to attract more high-quality manufacturers like McBride because we know how important they are for improving opportunities for our residents.”

Mr Rumbelow said: “McBride is a really fantastic example of the kind of high-end modern manufacturing company we want to bring in to our borough. There are already some really good businesses here but it’s a key part of our strategy to attract more.”