Chicago-based Quorn Foods announced plans to invest in its Billingham, UK, facility, making it what is said to be the largest manufacturing plant of its kind in the world.

The plant, which produces meat-free refrigerated meals and breakfast items, will create hundreds of jobs over the next five years.

“We are proud to be contributing to the UK’s export drive and to be investing in a British innovation that is vital to addressing the future need for protein across a growing global population,” says Kevin Brennan, chief executive officer. “Our growth will continue as expected, regardless of the Brexit deal that is reached. In fact, today’s investment is indicative of our confidence in becoming a billion dollar brand in the next 10 years.”

Growth has been strong in the EU, where Quorn Foods continues to invest. The company has however, driven aggressively outside the EU. The US business is up 40%, Australia 35% and Asia, a new market for Quorn Foods, is also succeeding.

The investment will cover the expansion of the company’s main manufacturing facility at Billingham, Teesside, and provide key support services to the site.