It is a familiar story: a small town, a big factory, overseas owners and job cuts, resulting in another tear in the social fabric of an English community. Except in Kendal, on the edge of the Lake District, the ending has been rewritten.

Heinz was about to shut the powdered baby milk plant that had sustained hundreds of Kendal’s working families as well as infants worldwide for 50 years. An Irish entrepreneur bought it, invested millions, hired extra staff and created new brands. As a result Kendamil has joined Kendal Mint cake on shop shelves.

Ross McMahon, 52, a food scientist, had worked in Asia and spotted a thirst for infant formula. Contaminated milk made almost 300,000 babies ill in China in 2008, killing several. The country switched to imports and British-made products are among the most highly trusted.