Crisp maker Tyrrells set to create hundreds of jobs

The move by the company, based close to the Shropshire border near Leominster, shrugs off fears over the impact of the impending Brexit from the European Union.

Mike Hedges, managing director of the company, said that the crisp maker is poised for a growth spurt following the £300 million deal with US food firm Amplify Snack Brands. When the takeover went through in August it was suggested that more jobs could be on the way.

"We have no business in North America and Amplify has no business over here," Mr Hedges said.

"They're going to take the Tyrrells brand and roll it out in North America and we'll take their SkinnyPop brand, and others, and do the same in the UK. We'll have to take on more staff to do that and I'd say that, over the next three years, we'll recruit hundreds globally."

Tyrrells currently employs about 500 people globally and the firm, whose stable of products include potato, vegetable and crinkle cut crisps and premium popcorn, raked in £84 million in revenues over the past 12 months.

Mr Hedges also brushed aside any fears that Britain's decision to quit the European Union would take a bite out of sales.

"In 2008, during the last recession, none of the premium crisp brands suffered and I don't think they will this time either – if there is a downturn," he said.

In January, Tyrrells reported that its pre-tax profits had more than doubled, rising from £3.9 million to £8.2 million in a year in which the company made significant headway in markets both home and abroad.

Sales increased by 22 per cent to £49.3 million over the period ending March 2017 last year, according to the accounts.