Kate Dearden MP, the newly elected Labour Member of Parliament for Halifax, visited the Nestlé factory in Halifax on Friday 24 January 2025. This visit marked Ms Dearden's first engagement with the site since her election in July 2024.
During her visit, Ms Dearden met with representatives from Nestlé's Factory Leadership team and heard about the numerous community initiatives supported by factory employees. She was introduced to the manufacturing processes at the Halifax factory, which has been producing confectionery products since 1909.
Ms Dearden was given a guided tour of the Halifax factory, where she witnessed the manufacturing processes and technologies used in production. The tour included a visit to the Matchmakers production line, where she observed the quality control measures and innovative practices that ensure the highest standards of product safety and quality.
Kate Dearden, Member of Parliament for Halifax, said: “I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Nestlé Halifax today and having the opportunity to meet constituents working in a range of roles within the factory. Seeing where some of our country’s most iconic confectionery products are made and hearing more about the ingredients that go into them was fascinating, and I look forward to continuing to work with Nestlé and the factory team in my constituency over the coming years.”
Toni Biggin, Nestlé Halifax Factory Manager, said: “We are delighted to have welcomed Kate Dearden MP to our Halifax factory. It was a fantastic opportunity to showcase our rich history of producing beloved confectionery products, including Quality Street and After Eight. We are proud of our commitment to the local community and the various initiatives we support, and we look forward to continuing our work in partnership with local stakeholders.”
Nestlé Halifax factory is home to the world-famous chocolate assortment and Christmas favourite Quality Street, as well as After Eight, Rolo, Munchies and Matchmakers. Up to twelve million Quality Street sweets are made in Halifax every single day in the run up to Christmas.
Nestlé Halifax employs more than 550 employees, 50% of whom live within a 20-mile radius of the site. The team have worked closely with the local community, supporting more than ten local organisations with employee fundraisers and product donations throughout 2024. Nestlé Halifax is passionate about young people and continuously supports local employment fairs and education programmes by running apprentice and graduate schemes.