Pukka Pies to create 150 jobs at new factory
The company has submitted plans for a 4,736m2 new facility just north of its headquarters in Syston to the local council for approval.
Pukka, which already employs 350 at its existing site, said the new factory would add an extra £25M to its annual £47M turnover.
Construction of the site would also include a storage facility and ancillary offices, as well as car parking spaces and road access.
‘Futureproofing Pukka Pies’
A Pukka spokesman said: “The application for the extension to our existing manufacturing and distribution complex at The Half Croft, Syston, is a great step towards futureproofing Pukka Pies’s continued growth in the national market and will have a positive impact on the local economy.
“The proposals have been very positively received by the local community and statutory authorities and we have a great deal of confidence that Charnwood Borough Council will assess the proposals expeditiously.”
Pukka expected to receive planning approval from Charnwood Borough Council early next year.
Councillor Eric Vardy, lead member for planning and inward investment, told FoodManufacture.co.uk: “We want a strong and lasting economy in Charnwood, so I welcome news that a high-profile business like [Pukka] wants to invest in its future and create jobs in the borough.
‘Invest in its future’
“Encouraging growth is a top priority for the council and we have recently created the ‘inCharnwood’ brand to make sure businesses around the country know that Charnwood is a great place to invest in.”
Founded in 1963 by husband and wife team Trevor and Valerie Storer, Pukka produces about 60M pies a year that are sold in the UK and abroad.
Pukka’s sales were £44.8M for the year ending May 30 2016, while its operating profit was £6.5M. Profit before tax was up 34% to £6.5M compared with the previous year.
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Meanwhile, in September, Pukka appointed former 2 Sisters Food Group commercial director Deborah Ewan as its new ceo.
