Project D doughnut factory to create 100 jobs
The 1,021m2 site will operate 24 hours a day to support the manufacturer’s move to a nationwide distribution model. Its current service covers a region from Birmingham to Leeds.
Project D has also secured lease on a unit in Leeds that will act as a distribution hub for the north of England and create a further 20 new jobs.
‘Keeping up with demand’
Commenting on the business’s expansion, co-owner Max Poynton said: “This is a really big step for Project D, but the time is definitely right. We just can’t keep up with the demand in the bakery we have at the moment and we get enquiries all the time from areas outside of our current delivery routes, so we know the market is there.
“We are already interviewing for new bakers and delivery drivers and we anticipate that we will need more and more in the run up to Christmas. It’s going to be all hand’s on deck.”
The company plans to turn the Leeds hub into a flagship store next year – creating another 10 jobs – and open premises in London and Manchester by April.
‘Taking on the rest of the UK’
Poynton added: “This is a really exciting time for Project D and we are really grateful the people of Derby for supporting us. We are all from Derby ourselves and this will always be Project D’s home – but we’re definitely ready for the next step and to take on the rest of the UK.”
Project D has a rotating range of doughnuts which it delivers direct to consumers and sells through pop-up shops around the country – a distribution method it moved to in response to difficulties caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The company also offers a vegan range.
Meanwhile, poultry processor Avara Foods is to create 60 new jobs and increase productivity as part of a £11m investment into its Brackley, Northamptonshire site.
