Waitrose demand prompts Bakkavör to create 200 jobs
The recruitment drive will be sparked by a major expansion project, which convenience foods firm Bakkavör aims to begin next week, the latest in a succession of growth spurts for Wingland Foods.
The expansion involves extensions to production and warehousing facilities and improvements to site access for logistics purposes.
The project is scheduled for completion in April 2014 and Wingland Foods has stated it will lead to the creation of 200 jobs over the next two years.
Support growth
The company confirmed the expansion was “to support the growth of its retail customer Waitrose”, which it supplies with its own-label Menu from range, which straddles various food categories.
“This expansion marks the next step in the development of the Wingland site and we are excited to be able to get this project underway,” said Steve Wooley, general manager at Wingland Foods.
“It will allow us to meet the growth demands of our customer and improve the overall efficiency of the site.”
Wingland Foods, which currently employs 350 people, was opened in 1999 to supply bagged salads, but now also specialises in vegetable accompaniments.
In addition, it makes trays, pots and a range of deli salads.
Continuously expanding
The outfit has been continually expanding since 2005 as a result in the gradually rising demand for fresh prepared foods.
In 2011 it shelled out £1M for a 336m2 low- and high-care cooking space, having previously spent a further £100,000 to expand manufacturing capabilities.
In total, the factory at Sutton Bridge has been expanded five times, including the current development plans.
Earlier this year, Bakkavör reported a 6% increase in turnover to £428.7M for its second financial quarter in results issued for the half-year to June 29.
The company attributed its growth to new business, combined with strong product development and “manufacturing excellence”.
