Open for business
With doom and gloom never far from the headlines, I am lucky that my role allows me to see the good as well as the bad. In recent weeks I have been invited to the unveiling of two new food and drink facilities, and it has been a pleasure to be part of such special days for companies that are investing so much into the UK food and drink industry.
Plant-based foods specialist Alpro was first on my agenda with the opening of its newly extended production facility in Burton Latimer, Northamptonshire, UK, allowing the company to meet rapidly growing demand for its almond, hazelnut, soya, oat and coconut drinks.
This was the first phase of a £28.5 million investment in the site, which will double production capacity and has already seen the creation of 35 new jobs at the plant with 15 more to follow. The new building is fitted with a variety of production equipment, including two complete new filling lines.
Performing the opening ceremony, minister of state for trade and investment, Lord Livingston, said, “Alpro is a success story. This major commitment to the Burton Latimer site sends a very clear and positive message about innovation and excellence in the UK food and drink industry and the benefits of using the support available from UKTI.”
My next stop was Hampshire, UK, where filtration company Porvair Filtration Group was unveiling its new 42,000 square foot premises in New Milton.
The £3.5 million investment has created around 20 jobs as the company seeks to increase overall capacity within the group, facilitate growth across the business and provide a platform for further expansion.
Member of parliament for New Forest West, Desmond Swayne, welcomed the significant local investment. He said, “I congratulate Porvair Filtration Group on their record of growth and achievement; another example of excellence in UK industry. This is also a vote of confidence in New Milton as a great place to do business and I would like to thank Porvair for their continuing commitment to the town.”
Congratulations to the two companies and I look forward to see more of the same this year as our industry continues to thrive.
