Walsh Mushrooms Group, which is one of the largest suppliers of fresh mushrooms across the UK and Ireland, expects the new “state-of-the-art” facility, which will be located near its current distribution centre in Evesham, to be completed by the end of this year with work set to commence next month.
The group said that the project is evidence of its ambition to remain at the forefront of mushroom production, while mitigating the challenges that lie ahead, particularly with regards to attracting and retaining staff.
The new facility will integrate robotic technology to enhance operational efficiency, streamline processes and significantly reduce labour and energy requirements.
Meanwhile, Walsh Mushrooms Group said that the site will be powered by sustainable energy sources, although no details have yet been provided about the methods the producer will employ.
“After a lot of research, development and planning this is the biggest step change for the mushroom industry in over two decades,” said Walsh Mushroom Group director Alan Walsh.
“This investment underscores Walsh Mushrooms Group’s dedication to innovation, sustainability and expanding its capacity to meet the growing demand of our customers for high-quality British mushrooms.”
Headquartered in Gorey in County Wexford, the group supplies more than 500 tonnes of fresh mushrooms to the UK market place each week.
It also operates packing and distribution centres in Golden, County Tipperary and Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, as well as the site in Evesham, Worcestershire, employing close to 400 people.
The firm made the announcement at the UK and Ireland business summit in Liverpool earlier this month, an event hosted by prime minister Sir Keir Starmer and Taoiseach Micheál Martin.
In related news, Speciality Breads has invested £20 million into a new 180,000 square foot bakery as part of its continuing efforts to make the business more sustainable.
Set to be operational by the end of this year, the new site will be capable of generating its own solar electricity and will feature a electric/gas hybrid oven.
