MTD MFG provided an update on the multi-million pound investment on Twitter, saying the factory has started the construction phase. Up to 300 jobs are set to be created at the industrial hub, which was approved by Peterborough City Council in June.

The development is at Plot 113 at the Peterborough Gateway in Alwalton Hill and is scheduled to be carried out in two phases. Along with storage and distribution, a two-storey office block and single-storey transport hub will be created.

There will be 32 HGV parking bays and 266 car parking spaces, for staff working across three shifts over 24 hours, seven days a week.

Consideration for sustainability was included in the submitted plans, including using locally sourced materials where possible, installing solar panels, adopting recycling policies of cardboard and rainwater, and creating cycle parking shelters and charging points for electric vehicles.

McCormick & Co, a spice, seasoning and condiments company, was founded in Maryland, in the USA, and employs around 12,000 people worldwide.