A pasta producer has acquired a factory on the outskirts of Norwich which will help bring 50 new jobs over the next three years as well as protect 140 existing jobs.

Pasta Foods, which produces pasta which is used in recipe dishes, canning, sauces, salads and snack pots, has taken ownership of the modern factory at Forest Way, Dereham Road, Costessey, after being offered a £500,000 grant to help it expand its operation and create more jobs.

The factory will complement the company's current production facilities at Pasteur Road, Great Yarmouth, and enable it to install new technology production lines in the larger Costessey site, which was found with help from Norfolk County Council.

The new production line is being funded by Pasta Foods with support from its bank and the grant from New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership's Growing Business Fund.

Karl Jermyn, managing director, said: 'The investment in the new factory is the first step in delivering our growth strategy. We are delighted to have been able to secure such a good facility and are grateful for the help and support from Norfolk County Council, Lloyds and New Anglia.'

Dr Andy Wood OBE, chairman of New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership, said: 'This is an exciting development for Pasta Foods and we're really pleased to offer a £500,000 grant to help the company expand and create more jobs for the future.

'We are also keen to talk to other businesses about how we could help fund their future plans for growth, through the Growing Business Fund.'

Colleen Walker, cabinet member for economic development at Norfolk County Council, said: 'It's so important that Pasta Foods is increasing its workforce in Norfolk. It is so encouraging to get this vote of confidence in Norfolk as a place to do business and to invest and I'm proud of the fact that we and the Local Enterprise Partnership were able to help secure this.'

Have you got a business story? Call Ben Woods on 01603 772426 or email ben.woods@archant.co.uk