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Premier Foods, a player in the UK food sector, has announced a £19 million investment in its Ambrosia factory located in Lifton, Devon.

This move is aimed at increasing production capacity and improving operational efficiency in response to rising consumer demand, particularly for the brand's popular porridge pots. The investment will be implemented in two phases over the next three years.

The first phase, which involves £9 million, focuses on modernising existing production lines for Ambrosia rice pudding and custard. This includes the installation of a new custard filling line and high-speed packing technology designed to streamline operations and enhance efficiency.

Additionally, this phase will transition the packaging to fully recyclable materials, aligning with sustainability goals.

The second phase, which will require an additional £10 million, includes a small factory extension to accommodate a new custard-making plant. This phase is expected to be completed by next summer and will further bolster production capabilities at the site.

Premier Foods' investment is not only a response to the growing popularity of its Ambrosia porridge pots, launched in 2022, but also a commitment to the local community and workforce.

The Lifton site has been integral to the region since 1917, currently employing over 320 staff members and producing approximately 65 million kilograms of custard and rice pudding annually, utilising more than 50 million litres of milk sourced from local West Country farms.

Rachel Matheson, factory general manager at the Lifton site, said: “This investment shows how committed we are to Lifton and to keeping our manufacturing here in the UK. Ambrosia is one of Britain’s most loved food brands, and we’re proud to keep making it right here in Devon.”

The investment also aligns with Premier Foods’ broader growth strategy, which focuses on enhancing supply chain efficiency, boosting productivity and facilitating innovation across its manufacturing sites.

The company is also implementing energy-efficient processes, which are expected to reduce energy consumption by 50% compared to traditional methods.