The Minister for the Northern Powerhouse and Local Growth, Jake Berry MP, last week visited Northumberland’s largest private sector employer as part of his visit to the county to discuss the Borderlands Growth Deal. The Minister toured the Hexham factory of EGGER UK, which employs more than 700 people and is one of Europe’s most advanced wood-based panel production facilities. £250 million has been invested into the factory since 1984. 

During the visit, which was arranged by Hexham MP Guy Opperman, Mr Berry met forestry director John Paterson, production and technical director Tobias Zimmerman and Bob Livesey, EGGER commercial director, Western European Division. The company also has a second Borderlands factory in Ayrshire. 

The Borderlands Growth Deal brings together the five cross-border local authorities, including Northumberland County Council, to promote the economic growth and competitiveness of the area around the Scottish-English border. 

Jake Berry MP said: “I was delighted to visit Northumberland’s largest private employer. It is vital that large private sector employers are making a positive contribution to help shape the Borderlands Growth Deal”. 

Guy Opperman MP said: “As the biggest employer in my constituency, EGGER is a very significant business for the Tyne Valley economy. I am very pleased that the Minister was able to see the factory and to see how forestry and wood processing can play a major part in the Borderlands Growth Deal”.