250 NEW manufacturing jobs are being created in Droitwich thanks to the letting of a large warehouse on the Berry Hill industrial estate.

The 230,000 sq ft Big Berry warehouse is being let to the automotive components manufacturer Magna Interiors, and the company will be using the site for the production and assembly of bespoke dashboards, referred to as ‘cockpits’ for new Jaguar car models.

Production is expected to start at the warehouse in February, bringing 250 jobs to the area.

Ken Jennings, the leader of Droitwich Town Council, said: “News of so many new valuable manufacturing jobs will bring Christmas cheer and a prosperous new year for Droitwich. We are delighted to see such a large empty unit on Berry Hill let for such a prestigious manufacturing project and we look forward to welcoming Magna Interiors to our town.”

Magna, the world’s third largest automotive components company, already has two sites in nearby Redditch, where it employs approximately 1,000 members of staff.

The Droitwich warehouse will be opening as an expansion to that work, and will initially be staffed by employees from the Redditch sites until it’s up and running.

Magna are expected to submit a planning application to change the use of the site in Droitwich from distribution, to general manufacturing, and Job Centre Plus will be helping Magna with its recruitment and a programme of activities for recruitment at the new site.