A WORCESTER printing firm has won a massive £30 million contract, safeguarding jobs in the city and creating 25 new ones.

Bpi.Consumer VMB, which is based at Blackpole, yesterday announced an agreement to supply Allied Bakeries over the next three years.

The contract means VMB will exclusively print packaging for Allied’s bakery ranges, such as Kingsmill. Production will run to millions of items, annually.

Brian Taylor, VMB’s business director, said Allied had been impressed by the firm’s recent multi-million pound investment in new equipment and the company’s ability to deliver the contract to a high standard.

“We were of particular interest to Allied due to our ability to ensure supply continuity,” he said.

“The award of this contract was due to our ongoing strategy of investment in the business as demonstrated by our recent £3 million expenditure on high tech machinery.

“Our ability to meet the high performance and exacting quality demands of the packaging was a key influencing factor in the deal.”

Mr Taylor said the contract “could well open doors for future expansion”.

VMB secured the deal following 14 months of negotiation with Allied, with the agreement being signed last month.

The 25 new roles were created in the company’s manufacturing department and had already been filled in anticipation of the contract going live yesterday.

VMB was established in 1972 and now employs 350 people at its Blackpole Trading Estate site.

Worcester MP Mike Foster, who was invited to visit the site yesterday, welcomed the positive news amidst the national economic downturn.

“This is very welcome. To hear another of our local firms has secured a major contract for new business for the years ahead.

“During these difficult times, news like this reminds us that it is not all doom and gloom out there.”