United Biscuits (UB) has restarted production of McVitie’s Gold biscuit bars at its Carlisle factory, after the site was devastated by floods in the wake of Storm Desmond.

McVitie’s Gold Bars are rolling off the production line at UB’s flood-hit Carlisle factory. There are plans to restart other production lines as soon as possible, as over 400 employees, suppliers and contractors work on-site in a bid to finish the clean-up operation.

The company has been “touched and overwhelmed” by the attitude of both its employees and the wider local community, according to factory general manager Mike Heaney.

He said: “Resuming factory production is a priority for us and our teams are well on track with this as our Gold bar production has started. However, we also recognise the importance of community at a time like this.”

He added: “Many of our employees have taken the time to support those most affected by the floods and keep spirits high, providing local rescue centres with supplies and carrying out local door-to-door biscuit drops.”

forced to close

When flooding affected homes and businesses across Cumbria in December, the biscuit factory lost power and was forced to close. On 21 December, Prince Charles visited the site to show his support to employees.

Heaney said: “Whilst the impact of the floods has been significant in the area and on the people who live here, we have been overwhelmed by the positive attitude and enthusiasm of the community and our employees over the past few weeks.

“United Biscuits greatly appreciates the support that has been offered, and our thoughts remain with the thousands of people in Cumbria who have been impacted by the floods.”