Natures Way opens new £15M West Sussex factory

The firm said the new facility, which provides 7500m2 of manufacturing space, will increase its capacity by 200%. It will allow NWF to increase its production of prepared fruit and salad meals, as well as a number of “high risk​” products.

The factory will include new specialised temperature storage areas, which allow for precise handling of a wide variety of produce, according to the firm.

It will also include new chilling and processing techniques, alongside precise control of the factory environment. NWF claims this will help deliver a change in the quality and freshness it is able to deliver to the consumer.

Processing abilities​

Gary Kilhams, factory manager said: “The new site has transformed our fruit and salad meals processing abilities. The opportunities now available to innovate with both products and processes, is extremely exciting.”​

Designed with the environment in mind, the factory roof has a special curve to blend into the skyline and surrounding landscape, and is silver in colour to reflect heat and reduce energy costs.

A special roof drainage system has also been created to capture rain water and channel it into neighbouring wildlife ponds, and, as with the factory, the office air-conditioning system also reclaims heat. The building also incorporates full height windows, which maximise natural light into the high care areas.

Richard Parr, operations director said: “We are very proud of our new Merston factory and believe we have created a unique facility that is both innovative, green, a great place for our people to work, and puts NWF at the forefront of fresh produce manufacturing​.”