Harlesden biscuit factory to feature in BBC 2 documentary

Fraser Jones, who will appear on 'Inside the Factory' Picture: HK (Image: Archant)

The Pladis biscuit factory, the biggest of its kind in Europe, will feature on ‘Inside the Factory’ on BBC 2 on Tuesday.

The programme will give viewers an insight into the makings of one of the most famous biscuits in the world, the McVities chocolate digestive.

Fraser Jones, manufacturing manager, who has been at the factory for 20 years, and Laurence Kothari, continuous improvement manager, who has worked at the factory for 38 years, were both delighted to be part of the show.

“When I was asked I thought ‘why not?’ as I had not done anything like it before. It was great fun working with Greg Wallace, Cherry Healey and the production crew,” said Mr Kothari.

The factory churns out a staggering 80 million biscuits a day, including 13 million chocolate digestives.

However, the chocolate for the digestive is not produced in Harlesden and has to be trucked all the way from Manchester.

“Our chocolate is made in our Manchester chocolate refinery and then transported 200 miles to Harlesden each night. The trucks have specially heated tankers which keep the chocolate warm and constantly moving,” explained Mr Jones.

Asked why he had spent such a long time with Pladis, Mr Kothari said: I was only meant to be here for six months but it was such a special place to work that here I am 38 years later. There is no such thing as an average day. “The most interesting part is being able to bring people’s ideas to life. If someone has an idea for a improving our production, we’ll find an engineering solution and make it happen.”

Inside the Factory will be broadcast on BBC 2 on Tuesday 1st August at 8pm.