Luxemburg-based United Caps is constructing a 5,000m² manufacturing plant in Rotherham (with an option to expand to 20,000m²).

Production is expected to begin towards the end of 2019; it will initially focus on beverage and dairy closures and employ 20 people.

The company has manufacturing facilities in Belgium, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Luxembourg and Spain. Employing more than 500 people, it had a turnover of 137 million euros in 2017.

CEO Benoit Henckes said: “This expansion into the UK is in response to increasing demand for our products. We chose Rotherham because of its central location on the M1, the available technical skilled people and the reasonable cost of land in that area.

“This will be our first plant in the UK, and we are looking forward to working closely with Rotherham Council, as the project proceeds.”

Rotherham Council leader Chris Read said: “We are excited to have a company of the quality of United Caps joining our community.

"We look forward to working with them to ensure a timely completion of the new factory, as well as future expansions as their business needs dictate.”

Mr Henckes added: “We will focus on the production of plastic closures for flat and medium-carbonated drinks, as well as fruit juices and dairy products in PET bottles.

"Our customers in the UK will have access to our full portfolio of caps and closures, as well as the expert resources of our R&D facility in Germany.”