Gavin leaves McCain with a smiley face

Gavin Williamson, MP for South Staffordshire, has visited McCain Foods manufacturing site in Wombourne as part of a field to fork briefing from the company.

The morning began at JB & Adams Farm in Enville where Gavin graded potatoes with owners Andrea and Nigel Adams, who explained how they grow much of the produce which is transported to the factory, which produces McCain favourites such as waffles, hash browns, smiley faces and jacket potatoes.

 

Gavin had previously visited the factory for a tour of the production line, which had been specially created to make the McCain Ready Baked Jackets. This new line represented a major long term investment in the factory.
After touring the factory Gavin discussed the importance of McCain Foods to local farmers who supply directly to the factory in Wombourne. He also heard about the challenges businesses are currently facing.

Gavin recently visited Cherry Trees School in Wombourne which was taking part in the Grow Your Own Potatoes (GYOP) scheme is a project that teaches primary school children how potatoes grow and how they fit into a healthy, balanced diet, supported by
McCain Foods.

The factory employs 150 people from the area and also runs the McCain Engineering Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship Scheme. This is a four-year programme of college study and valuable on-site engineering experience which has been running since 2012 and has committed to running for 10 years as a means of developing a skilled McCain workforce.

On his visit Gavin commented: “I had a fantastic time discovering the journey of McCain potatoes from field to fork. I am grateful to Andrea and Nigel for taking the time to show how to properly grade potatoes and explain some of the challenges that the farming community is currently facing.

“I am delighted that McCain continues to make the commitment to securing jobs and make a significant investment in the local area, by using produce from farmers in South Staffordshire.”