Supermarket Morrisons Grimsby jobs boost as Telegraph celebrates food town

TODAY in the Grimsby Telegraph we have produced a great 20 page special which proves beyond doubt that Grimsby remains 'Europe's Food Town'. With 14,000 or so people still employed in food related industry across the town, we have to ensure that we celebrate this success – and make sure we shout it from the rooftops. New business and industry does remain vitally important and diversification and grasping opportunity is key to ensure any area survives and thrives. But in doing so, it is just as important that the foundations are strong and that successful existing sectors are cared for and encouraged. Grimsby's heart is built on the fishing industry and the legacy of that industry lives on today in the successful food production plants that remain – and indeed grow. New developments in the last year have proved that our ability to remain the number one in this area is at present unrivalled. The decision by Young's Seafood Limited to consolidate their operations in the town is evidence of that. We also had the terrific move by Morrisons to develop a major new production plant here. People always need to eat – and fortunately for us an increasing amount of the food on the plates of Britain could say 'made in Grimsby' or indeed 'Made in Lincolnshire'. *Are you employed in the industry and how do you see its future here? Follow the editor on Twitter @michellelalor

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SUPERMARKET giant Morrisons' Grimsby seafood plant is smashing all expectations, a year on from the announcement it was setting up base in town.

The Europarc facility is firing on all cylinders and with 100 more convenience stores planned to open in the next 12 months, new products are rolling out of the town.

It comes as North East Lincolnshire Council, via the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership, announced a £36 million programme bid for the local food industry has been submitted to Government, following an unsuccessful attempt in Round Three.

Having been part of the original bid, Morrisons Manufacturing Grimsby is already:

Employing 40 more people than expected with head count up 27 per cent, from the anticipated 150 to 190.

Handling 50 more tonnes of seafood a week, with output up 33 per cent, from 150 tonnes to 200 tonnes.

Managing a new pre-packed line that has gone from a standing start to 60,000 units a week.

The retailer is renowned for producing its own bread and meats, with fish added in September when the first nationwide deliveries were made by town logistics giant Quayside.

Shellfish and pre-pack has been added to the initial wet fish service.

Howard Sims, site managing director, said: "When we began we thought we might employ about 150 people, we are currently operating at 190 people."

The programme bid would allow projects to be brought forward that might not meet the initial £1 million minimum threshold, with the purse strings controlled by NELC.

Declaring the pot open in northern Lincolnshire, Business Minister Michael Fallon urged those who had not won previously to try again.

Details about Morrisons' expansion is in today's Europe's Food Town 2013 supplement inside your Telegraph.