Kraft Foods has pledged to expand its manufacturing base in the UK, following the US firm’s takeover of confectionary chain Cadbury.
Chief executive Irene Rosenfeld said the company hoped to bring brand names to the UK from across its Kraft Foods portfolio, which is at present largely produced in Europe.
In an interview with the Times, Ms Rosenfeld said manufacturing jobs in the UK are "very important" to the combined company.
"Kraft Foods today only has one factory in the UK, that’s our Banbury facility. As we look at the profile of the combined company we are going to need more manufacturing capability within the UK.
"It’s for that reason that I feel strongly that the UK will be a net beneficiary within the manufacturing sector."
If Kraft is to open up new facilities in the UK this could create partnerships with other manufacturers, distributors and food producers.
New factories would need to be kitted out with all the relevant machinery such as heavy-duty conveyors, weighing systems and flexible bulk containers to store Kraft produce for export.
It is therefore hoped Kraft’s expansion would benefit the wider UK manufacturing industry, if Ms Rosenfeld is to stick to her promise.