UK-based Speciality Breads is making a significant investment of £20 million ($25.8 million) to quadruple its production capacity by relocating to a new site.
This new facility, slated to become operational by the end of the year, will consolidate two existing production sites into one advanced location.
Located in Margate, south-east England, Speciality Breads specializes as a manufacturer and wholesaler of various bakery products. Their extensive product lineup includes breads, ciabatta, frozen dough, sweet bread, and vegan offerings.
The new production facilities in nearby Manston will encompass approximately 180,000 square feet, allowing for enhanced efficiency and capacity.
Currently, Speciality Breads produces about 50 tonnes of bread weekly; however, the new site will enable production to increase to approximately 200 tonnes.
Additionally, the new facility will have the capacity for three more production lines if demand warrants such expansion, according to the company.
In its announcement, Speciality Breads highlighted the move as a “significant step change for the business”. This strategic investment aims to broaden their product range, particularly targeting foodservice customers while also entering the retail sector.
Daniel Maidment said: “We’d identified a few years ago that we were going to run out of capacity and as part of the move it made sense to futureproof the business in terms of both future growth and sustainability”.
The new bakery is designed to be sustainable; it will generate its own solar electricity and feature what the company describes as “the UK’s first electric/gas hybrid stone bake oven.”
