Kate Dearden, the recently elected Labour MP for Halifax, visited the Nestlé factory in Halifax on Friday, 24 January 2025, marking her first engagement with the site since her election in July 2024.
During her visit, Ms. Dearden met with members of the Factory Leadership team and learned about the factory’s long-standing community initiatives and the contributions of its employees to local causes. The Nestlé Halifax factory, which has been producing confectionery since 1909, remains a cornerstone of the constituency’s industry and heritage.
Ms Dearden received a guided tour of the facility, including a stop at the Matchmakers production line, where she observed the advanced manufacturing technologies and quality control processes that ensure the highest standards in confectionery production.
“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,” said Ms Dearden. “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.”
The Halifax site is best known for producing Quality Street, a Christmas favourite, along with other household names such as After Eight, Rolo, Munchies, and Matchmakers. During the busy holiday season, the factory produces up to twelve million Quality Street sweets every single day.
Toni Biggin, Factory Manager at Nestlé Halifax, 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.”
The Nestlé Halifax factory employs over 550 people, with half of the workforce living within a 20-mile radius of the site. The team actively supports the local community through employee-led fundraisers and product donations, assisting over ten local organisations in 2024. The factory also invests in youth employment by hosting apprentice and graduate schemes and participating in local education and career fairs.
The visit highlighted Nestlé Halifax’s dual role as a major local employer and a supporter of community initiatives, reinforcing its commitment to the people of Halifax.
