Snack and confectionery manufacturer Mondelēz International has unveiled plans to invest £15m ($20.5m) into its Bournville site in the UK.

The site is supported by its factory in Chirk, Wales, which is engaged in cocoa beans processing and wher fresh milk is added.

The company said that £11m ($15m) will be used for creating a new production line, as Mondelēz intends to consolidate the majority of its on-site Cadbury Dairy Milk tablet production activities.

The new production line will help to annually manufacture 125 million additional Dairy Milk sharing bars at its Bournville facility.

Mondelēz International UK managing director Louise Stigant said: “At a time when manufacturing in the UK is facing significant challenges, it has never been more vital to secure the long-term competitiveness and sustainability of our business.

“We now have an opportunity at Bournville to further invest in its future as the home and heart of Cadbury by bringing more Cadbury Dairy Milk production to Bournville.”

Mondelēz said that it is also planning to invest a further £4m ($5.4m) to increase chocolate manufacturing capacity to meet the current demand and anticipate future needs.

Clwyd South Parliament member Simon Baynes has welcomed Mondelēz’s investment decision.

Baynes said: “The news that Mondelēz International plans to consolidate the majority of Cadbury Dairy Milk tablet production to the UK is excellent news for Chirk in Clwyd South.

“I welcome this investment with open arms and I’m proud to see Chirk and Clwyd South contributing to the success of a much-loved British brand and the production of the nation’s favourite chocolate bar.”