Recruitment event ‘an overwhelming success’ for new savoury snack manufacturer

Calbee UK, the savoury snack manufacturer, which announced plans to open its first European factory in Deeside back in November, was overwhelmed with the success of its first recruitment event, welcoming more than 100 job seekers from the local community. 

Building on the first phase of a longer-term plan, the company showcased the positions which are currently available across a variety of roles from maintenance engineers to production and warehouse operatives, with interest shown in them all.

As well as the roles that are available the recruitment session, which was held at Coleg Cambria, gave an insight into the unique philosophy behind Calbee UK.

Senior members of the team were on hand to introduce themselves during the event, providing those attending with some background into why they chose to join the business.  Visuals of the plans for the completed facility were also shared and an exclusive product tasting took place.

Managing Director of Calbee UK, Richard Robinson said:

“We were so pleased with the number of people who took the time to come along and speak to us about the opportunities that we have available. We want to be known as the best company to work for in the district and we know that with great people joining us we can create a business worthy of that reward.

He adds:

“We are developing a £6.5m factory in Deeside and we need competent, enthusiastic people to turn our plans into a reality. With the quality of the people we were able to meet during the recruitment event we are one step closer to achieving that.”

Championing the future success of the Deeside region, Calbee UK is the first European subsidiary of parent company, Calbee Inc, Japan’s largest producer of savoury snacks. Bringing unrivalled experience, knowledge and capability, the company has ambitious targets for the UK over the next 12 months and beyond.

Announcing the investment back in November, Economy Minister, Edwina Hart said:

“I am delighted to announce this important new inward investment for Wales. Calbee is the latest in a long line of highly prestigious Japanese companies that have invested in Wales and I welcome their decision to establish their first European plant here.

“It is also the latest international inward investment project for Deeside Enterprise Zone, which proved to be the most attractive location, as a number of sites in Europe and the UK were under consideration.

“We have a very successful food manufacturing sector in Wales and this investment will support our strategy to grow and expand the industry, creating more jobs and prosperity and I wish Calbee every success for the future.”