Dawn Foods UK&I celebrates 30 years of business
Dawn Foods UK and Ireland, manufacturers of bakery ingredients and finished frozen muffins, cookies and donuts has celebrated 30 successful years of business.
Dawn’s CEO Carrie Jones-Barber, grand-daughter of the original Dawn Foods founder Marlin Jones, and Steven Verweij, president of Europe and AMEAP opened the new modern and improved automated dry packing line at the Evesham facility featuring robot palletisation. The investment will not only provide enhanced effectiveness but also leading for increased capacity for growth as part of its growth strategy.
As part of its celebrations, Dawn launched a partnership with local charity, Caring Hands in the Vale, an outreach project from The Vale of Evesham Christian Centre that supports individuals and families in need in practical ways. A cheque for more than £1000 raised via a raffle was donated to the charity.
Caring Hands operates a successful food bank, clothing bank, household bank and baby bank as well as resources for individuals who are homeless or sleeping rough. In addition, the charity runs the Caring Hands Drop-in Diner where people can get a free two or three course hot meal and, by arrangement, use of a laptop and wifi for job and housing applications.
Tim Clarkson, cluster director UK and Ireland for Dawn Foods said: “Dawn Foods started operating in the UK in 1989 and then afterwards opened its first site in Evesham; today we employ more than 200 people at the site.
“As one of the biggest employers in Evesham it was important for us to give back to the community where many of our staff live and assist those in the community who may be having a tough time at present. The Caring Hands charity does some superb work ensuring people have enough food and the basic resources to help get them back on their feet.
“We’re delighted that our CEO Carrie Jones-Barber and Steven Verweij, Dawn Foods President of Europe & AMEAP opened the new dry packing facility – demonstrating our on-going commitment to the town – but launched our partnership with Caring Hands. We’re delighted to be working with them and Diane Bennett, founder of the Caring Hands in the Vale charity”.
