Leader: Muller expansion is welcome boost for Shropshire

You do not need a crystal ball to predict that 2012 is going to be a difficult year.

All the grim pieces have fallen into place during 2011. The economic indicators tell their own story and the festive spending on the High Streets and during the sales is a mirage of wealth.

Good news is going to be hard to find in the new year which makes the prospect of hundreds of new jobs at one of Shropshire's most prominent firms even more welcome.

The German dairy giant Muller at Market Drayton has won backing for major expansion plans. If all goes smoothly, up to 300 jobs could be created as a result.

The uncertainties of the times is demonstrated by the fact that only last month Muller announced 55 job cuts, some of which are to hit the Market Drayton site.

This new development, which will provide a new manufacturing, storage and distribution facility, will not immediately reverse that setback, but once completed it will help secure many Shropshire jobs well into the future.

And that is what a lot of people are looking for – job security.

There is another dimension to the development which is almost as significant as the jobs it will bring. It represents a huge investment in Shropshire, and a huge vote of confidence in the county.

Muller has traded on its Shropshire roots in its advertising and promotional campaigns, and in so doing has brought kudos our way.

The fact that a successful international brand has Shropshire as its home is a boost for our prestige and it would be nice to think that it also draws the attention of other big firms to Shropshire's potential.

So, as the new year approaches, Muller's plans are a bright prospect for the uncertain future.

See also:

• Muller’s Market Drayton expansion plans could create 300 jobs