Last Friday I visited the Muntons site in Stowmarket with Trade Secretary Liz Truss MP to discuss the opportunities for businesses such as Muntons from future trade deals as we leave the EU.
The firm, employs 270 to 280 people at its Stowmarket factory and exports to 76 countries, with overseas trade a crucial part of its business. The business has been in Stowmarket since 1948 and to this day remains a crucial part of the local business community. I am always discussing Muntons innovative sustainable approach to growing their business and was pleased to show the Secretary of State why Muntons is the greenest malster in the world.
I have visited Muntons on a number of occasions since being elected and I am keen to ensure that the Malt industry goes from strength to strength as we move to a new global trading relationship. Muntons has invested £30m into its Stowmarket site over recent years, with a further £25m of investment planned over the next three years.
It is important as we move to negotiate future trade deals we listen to our local businesses, both large and small, to ensure we strike deals that deliver for our communities and the local economy.