Fresh-Pak Chilled Foods Ltd has recently expanded their operations at Wombwell in Barnsley, an investment which will bring about a significant increase in the company’s production capacity and the welcome creation of new jobs in the area.

Fresh-Pak’s premises at the Waterside site, Wombwell

Fresh-Pak is one of the UK's leading companies in the chilled prepared food market and is the largest producer of egg mayonnaise in Europe. Fresh Pak continue to successfully interpret trends in this sector, add new and exciting products to their range and surpass customer expectations time after time. Supplying most of the country's best-known retailers, they pride themselves on delivering high quality products made with only the freshest ingredients.

As part of their on-going commitment to deliver sustainable investment into Barnsley, the company has invested a further £3.5m in extending their premises at their site in Wombwell. The investment comprises a 20,000 sq ft extension and fit out of their existing factory, which produces 180 tons of egg mayonnaise a week, in addition to a 10,000 sq ft. extension to the despatch area. The fit out of the existing factory will be in operation from March with a view to having all building works complete by August 2005.

The expansion will increase the company’s overall production capacity by 40%. This will aim to satisfy the continuing growth in Fresh Pak’s core markets whilst creating the welcome addition of between 40 and 80 new jobs in the area over the next 12 months.

Fresh-Pak implement the latest technology and technical expertise in order to ensure the highest quality at every stage. Further investments have recently seen the addition of new high-speed packing lines and the installation of on-site facilities for the manufacture of mayonnaise.

Fresh Pak’s success lies in its ethos of continuing employee development. In order to achieve continued and sustained growth, the company operates a dedicated training function. For possible employment opportunities at Fresh Pak please contact JobCentre Plus on 01226 263366.

Barnsley Development Agency (BDA) has assisted Fresh-Pak in co-ordinating the provision of recruitment and training advice, a local familiarisation guide and other business support to help achieve their current level of success.

Jeff Pickering, Economic Development Manager, commented, “We are pleased to be supporting Fresh-Pak who have clearly demonstrated their huge commitment to the ongoing improvement of the local economy. We wish them every success with their recent expansion and welcome the new jobs that will be created.”

Simon Scrivens, Managing Director of Fresh Pak said, “We were pleased with our initial investment in the Wombwell facility and are delighted to be able to invest further to support continued growth in our core markets. This further substantial investment will create more jobs in the locality, and will ensure the ongoing competitiveness of the business.”