The company spotted an opportunity for further growth through the production of aseptic products, a process which eliminates bacteria in food, and extending product shelf life through an ultra clean process. The investment in new aseptic production technology makes Fruitapeel one of the only manufacturers of such products in the UK, and will enable it to enter new markets with bigger customers as well as supporting their existing business.
To help purchase the required machinery, Fruitapeel was able to source a non-repayable £150,000 grant through Regenerate Pennine Lancashire, supported by the Government’s Regional Growth Fund.
As a result of the project, Fruitapeel expects to increase its staff level from 37 to 50.
Fruitapeel managing director Terence Haigh said: “The assistance from Regenerate has helped us to reach this point far faster than we would have otherwise. Overall production capacity will increase by 20% as a result of the new technology, enabling us to create nine jobs almost immediately across production, sales and finance with the remaining jobs to follow in the next 18 months.”
Source: RegeneratePL
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