Sedamyl announces £80m expansion into Yorkshire distillery

Italian-owned agribusiness Sedamyl has announced an £80 million investment into the expansion of its Yorkshire potable alcohol plant.

The expansion comes a decade after Sedamyl acquired the redundant former Tate & Lyle site in Selby as its UK base for the production potable alcohol, a main ingredient in the manufacture of premium spirits and a processing aid in the food industry.

The investment will see Sedamyl double its production capacity, add new product lines and increase business for Yorkshire farmers. It will also create 75 new jobs – increasing its workforce to around 150 – and support hundreds more among its suppliers.

As well as increasing its potable alcohol capacity, following the expansion, the facility will begin the production of liquid sweeteners.

Originally founded in Italy in the 1950’s as a fruit distillery, Sedamyl currently produces starches, alcohol and wheat gluten in the UK to serve the beverages, food and animal nutrition industries. It also provides products for the paper and corrugating industries.

By adding liquid sweeteners to its portfolio, the company will broaden its offering to the food industry. Sedamyl operates two production sites in Italy in and the UK.

In line with its sustainability objectives, the investment will provide an increased market for wheat grown by local farms, boosting the local economy in the region.

Elena Frandino, managing director at Sedamyl UK and a member of family that has owned the business for 60 years, said: “These are difficult and challenging times for everyone because of the pandemic, so we’re incredibly proud to be able to announce such an important investment plan, which will enable us to reinforce and grow our position as a leading and sustainable supplier for our customers.

“Supporting Yorkshire farmers is also important to us and we are proud to say that our wheat is sourced from an average of 60 miles from our North Yorkshire factory, helping us to improve our sustainable practices.”

The distillery expansion is underway with completion expected by the autumn and the first deliveries of liquid sweeteners due to start in late 2022.