A multi-million pound investment has been pledged for a north Cumbrian factory.

Food and drink group Princes has revealed its plans to invest £15m in its bottled water site in Eden Valley.

Work has begun on the project, which will include a factory extension to accommodate a new bottling line and the building of an office block to house a new laboratory, engineering workshop, staff canteen and welfare facilities.

The plant already employs 130 people, and the investment will create four new engineering jobs.

It will increase capacity at the site, as well as bringing with it environmental benefits because it will cut down the number of miles the company travels to its off-site storage.

The new facilities will also see water bottles made even more lightweight – reducing packaging further.

Ruth Simpson, corporate relations director at Princes, said: “This strategic investment consolidates Princes’ position as one of the UK’s leading soft drinks suppliers and reflects the strength and scale of the bottled water market.

“We are committed to ensuring our sites have the capacity and technological capabilities to not only meet customer needs now but also provide a platform for long-term future growth.”

The Eden Valley site was acquired by Princes in 2004.