Aston Manor Cider, the UK’s largest independent cider maker, welcomed local politician, Mark Garnier to its Stourport-on-Severn location on Tuesday (14th April).

The MP from 2010-2015 and prospective candidate for Wyre Forrest was given a tour of the purpose-built fruit processing facility in which Aston Manor has invested around £5m to date, with a further £2m planned for this year.

Gordon Johncox, managing director at Aston Manor Cider said: “Mark has a keen interest in the local economy and business.

“During the three hours he spent with us, we talked him through the investments that have been made so far and how the site has progressed in just over a year since Aston Manor got involved – it has been quite a transformation and created employment.

 “We were also able to share with him our plans for further investment in support of our largest planting scheme to date, which will see 350,000 more trees added to the landscape meaning tens of thousands of tonnes of apples that will be processed at the site.

“Mark was introduced to our new self-contained water system, created to cool a vital element of the apple pressing process, using the riverside location, though not wasting a drop of water.

“We explained to him how the unique system delivers a really positive environmental benefit as well as improving our operations.

 “Our purpose was to update Mark as part of the ongoing commitment we have to the local community and discussed with him about the continued progress we are making. We also wanted to show him our dedication to environmentally-friendly practices and safeguarding the area’s wildlife.

“We were delighted to have welcomed him to the site.”

Mark was equally pleased to have visited the site and was full of praise for the independent cider producer, he said: “It was fantastic to see what investment Aston Manor Cider is making in the area.

“The millions invested now and in due course, not only supports the success of the business and creates much needed jobs in the area, but also helps to protect the surrounding environment.

“Having had the plans explained to me by the enthusiastic team at Aston Manor, I am very excited with their progress and will stay in touch, helping where I can.”