ONE of the world's largest food companies, Heinz, has bought United Biscuits' Frozen and Chilled Foods business of which the Okehampton McVities factory is part.

United Biscuits announced in August that it was looking to sell its frozen and chilled foods business to concentrate on developing its international biscuit and snack business.

It was described as a practical move forward and one that would ensure UBFCF received proper support for continued development.

Spokesperson for Heinz Nigel Dickie said this week that it was a great plus for UBFCF to become part of a global enterprise that had frozen food as one of its core growth categories.

'Clearly, this is an opportunity for investment and growth of the brands and products not only in the UK but across Europe.'

McVities Prepared Foods is one of the largest employers in Okehampton with a workforce of around 400.

Mr Dickie said at the moment it was 'business at usual' but he could not rule out whether there would be any changes in the job situation at the Okehampton factory in the future.

'In the longer term there will be a review across both Heinz frozen foods and UBFCF to develop a business that provides the best solution for going forward.

'Job issues can never be ruled out but this is a positive move for the future of both businesses.'

UBFCF, which has six factories in the UK and one in Spain, was sold for £190-million.

Heinz established its frozen food business in the late 1980s and its products include the Weight Watchers from Heinz brand frozen meals, the Heinz Bean Cuisine frozen meals and the Heinz Baked Bean Pizza range.