Food giant Kraft announced it has invested £17 million in research and development (R&D) in the UK as it opens a new centre. The US firm, which owns the Cadbury, brand, said the site at Bournville in Birmingham, had been selected as its Global Centre of Excellence for chocolate R&D, including new innovation laboratories to support the development of new products. The company has also expanded its Reading Science Centre based on the University of Reading's campus. Almost 100 new jobs have been created from the investment.
David Willetts, Minister of State for Universities and Science, said, 'This significant investment from Kraft Foods is very welcome news and shows the company's commitment to maintaining a strong research and development base in the UK. It will help drive long-term, sustainable growth as well as supporting hundreds of high tech jobs in both Birmingham and Reading.'