Generations at heart of factory that's strong on heritage and community

FAMILY EMPLOYEES HAVE BEEN FACTOR AT COFFEE SITE SINCE FACTORY SET UP AT THE DAWN OF 1900s

- By MANISHA BHANOT

IT began life in 1901 producing tinned milk. Then, in 1959, reflecting the shift in people’s habits, Nestlé’s Tutbury factory switched to manufacturing Nescafé instant coffee.

Now it can turn out an impressive 170,000 jars of Nescafé every day, 25 million Nescafé Dolce Gusto pods a week, and a variety of Starbucks at Home coffee products.

But what hasn't changed over the passage of more than a century is the important part the factory plays in the local community.

Currently employing more than 700 people, it continues to provide a variety of career opportunities for locals. And, in many cases, two or more generations of the same family have worked here.

Alex Hardcastle, 26, grew up locally and is following in the footsteps of her mum and sister, who both worked at Nestlé Tutbury before her.

Since joining at the age of 19 - as an agency casual on the factory floor - Alex has worked her way up to become interim health and safety manager.

“Everyone's super-proud of what I've been able to achieve,” she says. “I was determined to put my own stamp on my time here, and I think I’ve done that”

Joe Timmins is the third generation of his family to work at Tutbury.