Speciality Breads will build on its recent growth by investing £3m in a new bakery facility, close to its existing production site in Margate, Kent.
The 3,000 square metre factory will produce around 20 handmade lines, while providing essential extra cold storage, work space and ovens for the team’s artisan bakers. The investment includes the installation of five additional freezers, three ovens and a new packing line with robotics, which together will allow for a fourfold increase in the company’s production capacity.
It follows consecutive year-on-year growth of more than 30%, and the company is now turning over almost £6m every year.
Speciality Breads will also adopt the government’s new national minimum wage of £7.20 per hour – announced by Chancellor George Osbourne in his budget speech in July – more than six months before it will become compulsory for British businesses. The firm has already created more than 25 new jobs since the beginning of the year, as part of its commitment to continue investing in people.
Speciality Breads managing director Peter Millen said: “The company has gone from strength to strength since we made a big splash at the Olympics with our high quality breads now used by leading bars, pubs, cafés, restaurants, hotels and caterers. With the UK foodservice sector as vibrant and diverse as it is and interest in our breads going through the roof, this new site was vital for us in order to keep up with demand and continue to grow. It’s been a hard but exciting last few years, so the whole team is looking forward to the big launch. Without them none of this is possible, so we are delighted to be able introduce the national living wage ahead of time to show our thanks and ensure we retain our skilled staff and grow together.”
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