Leading UK kitchen supplier Howdens has started work on its Runcorn cabinet manufacturing site as part of a £100 million investment plan that will see the factory grow by 40 per cent.

The project will introduce advanced manufacturing technology and create one of the largest cabinet production lines in the world.

The Runcorn site currently employs more than 450 people and has been producing pre-assembled kitchen cabinets for more than 30 years. It supplies Howdens’ 870-strong depot network, producing more than 70 per cent of Howdens’ rigid cabinet capacity of around 5 million cabinets each year.

As part of the Astmoor Masterplan, Halton Borough Council has worked closely with Howdens to utilise land which became available following the construction of the Mersey Gateway, to enable the company to expand their existing facility.

Cllr Laura Bevan, the Council’s Executive Board member for Employment Learning, Skills and Community, attended the firm’s groundbreaking ceremony alongside Regeneration & Business Growth Manager, Helen Roberts.

Andrew Livingston, CEO of Howdens, said: “Our Runrn manufacturing facility is critical to our business and has been for many years. We are proud of our skilled teams who make the facility what it is. This expansion matters to the community and to UK manufacturing.

“Today’s investment demonstrates our commitment to UK skilled jobs and strengthening Howdens’ capability to support future growth here and abroad.”

The company recently acquired the freehold of the Runcorn site to further secure its long-term future.

Julian Lee, operations director at Howdens, said: “It’s an important day for Runcorn. This factory has been making our cabinets since 1995, and this investment secures our ability to keep manufacturing 100% of them in the UK for our depots and their customers.

“The real driver is the people here. Their commitment, work ethic, and skill are the reason we produce the best cabinets in the industry.

“This expansion strengthens our vertical integration and gives us the capacity we need to suppot a growing depot network for many years.”