Announcing the move, which will create thousands of new jobs over the next decade, Metsä Tissue’s Chief Executive, Esa Kaikkonen, cited Goole’s location within the Humber region and the way that it provides ‘a gateway to the entire UK’ as a key factor in the company’s decision. In fact, Goole’s unique location was the very reason that the town was first established back in 1826, following the development of a canal linking it with Leeds.
During the last 30 years, Goole has benefited from a series of innovative regeneration initiatives aimed at encouraging inward investment and creating new business and job opportunities for its population of around 22,000 people, as well as a string of environmental and social improvements to enhance and support local communities. The town’s transport links mean that most of Yorkshire is within an easily commutable 30-mile radius, so there’s a readily available workforce for potential investors.