Ginger Nut production will be transferred to Carlisle

It is hoped new investment at the Carlisle factory by United Biscuits will allow the site to add to their current 1,000-strong workforce.

But the site is benefiting at the expense of the United Biscuits factory in Leicestershire which announced earlier this year it was to close with the loss of 900 jobs.

The company owns some of Europe's best known biscuits and snack brands, including Penguin, Jaffa Cakes and Hula Hoops.

Chris Aitken, operations director, said it was entrusting Ginger Nuts, one of its best known products, to the city factory in the hope that it will lead to further expansion.

Strong team

He said: "It is clearly good news for the Carlisle team.

"This is the result of a reorganisation we are doing, sadly we are having to close our Ashby-de-la-Zouche factory and we are dispersing the production of our products there to our other UK factories.

"The Carlisle team have clearly demonstrated they have the capacity in the factory and the ability as a team for us to make this significant investment in the factory."

Mr Aitkin said the new jobs - both permanent and temporary - would cover all aspects of production including preparation, baking, wrapping the biscuits and some management roles.

He said the jobs would be phased in throughout 2004.

Mr Aitken added: "The team at Carlisle are doing a good job for McVities and have shown, as a team, that they have got the capability to take on what is a challenging increase in their product range."