Futura Foods opens new cheese processing site
Acquired in October 2019, the 5,574m2 “state-of-the-art” added-value cheese cutting and packing site is now fully operational and is helping the manufacturer to increase production in line with customer demand both in the UK and in export markets. Capacity at the site was expected to be 20,000 tonnes per year initially.
Managing director Hans Christiansen said the site would support the local economy with new employment opportunities, which would grow as the business developed.
Commenting on the opening of the site, he said: “I am immensely proud of the team who have worked extremely hard at this challenging time to achieve this in a short space of time. Customer response to our plans has been extremely positive; we are delighted with the feedback and with the commitment and enthusiasm shown by our team in North Wales.
Offering a wide range
“The new UK site will complement our existing strength in supplying an extensive range of continental dairy products, including feta, halloumi and Italian cheeses, and extend our product offer, as we now can format cheddar, mozzarella and UK territorials as well.”
The North Wales facility has been awarded a BRC AA accreditation.
The manufacturer is one of many businesses within the food and drink industry that has been impacted by the outbreak of Covid-19 across the globe.
Adapting to coronavirus
Despite the unprecedented situation faced by the industry, Christiansen said the business had ensured product supply continued thanks to its cross-functional teams adapting to new working patterns.
The creation of new jobs at Futura Foods’ factory came as a number of food firms announced massive recruitment drives to help combat the impact of the coronavirus on their businesses.
2 Sisters Food Group chief executive Ronald Kers launched an urgent appeal for new workers to help the manufacturer meet the unprecedented demand brought on by the coronavirus outbreak.
Kers said the mass hirings were a move to “literally feed the nation” at a time when getting food to people had never been more important.
Meanwhile, coronavirus panic-buying prompted dairy processor Müller to launch a significant recruitment drive for up to 300 additional key workers amid the demand spike.
