AROUND 60 new jobs could be created in Burnley thanks to a £20million investment from bakery giants Warburtons.

The firm have submitted a planning application for a new plant opposite its existing base in the town, in Billington Road.

That plant would produce Warburtons’ range of sandwich alternatives, including its wraps and thins products.

Neil Campbell, managing director at Warburtons, said: “As a family business, we are able to take decisions for the long term and this planned investment demonstrates our continued commitment to the future growth of the business. We recognise that consumer needs and tastes are changing and we must ensure we are fit to meet their needs, now and into the future.”

Warburtons total sandwich alternatives have grown by 87 per cent year on year and now account for 5.3 per cent of Warburtons total wrapped bakery value sales.

The company has existing wraps and thins plants in Bristol and Bolton and produces over £1m of these products each week.

Burnley was chosen as the next location for investment due to its supply chain links and suitability for build. Subject to planning permission, the new plant will be able to produce an average of 5,500 products per hour.

Mr Campbell said: “Over the past decade we have invested more than £400 million in our infrastructure to ensure we can make the best quality products that our consumers know and love. We have 26 sites across the UK meaning we can get our products from the bakery to the shelf in as little time as possible — meaning fresher bread for our consumers.”

The existing Warbutons site has been in Burnley for more than 30 years and they currently employ 250 people. If the planning application is successful building work could start in February.