Kendal Nutricare, a UK-based infant formula manufacturer, has recently acquired a facility from Premier Foods, a leading player in the local food and beverage industry. This strategic move allows Kendal Nutricare to expand its operations and enhance its product offerings, particularly in the food and drink business sector.
The newly acquired factory, located in Knighton, Staffordshire, will be managed by Ekselsior Foods, a subsidiary of Kendal Nutricare. The financial specifics of this acquisition have not been disclosed, but it is a significant step forward for the company.
In January of the previous year, Premier Foods announced plans to close its Knighton Foods powdered desserts and drinks factory, threatening approximately 300 jobs. The company indicated that this facility was “not aligned to the group’s branded growth model strategy and is marginally unprofitable at trading profit.”
However, Stafford Borough Council has reported that Kendal Nutricare intends to create around 100 jobs at the site as part of a multi-million-pound investment that aims to establish a fully operational factory within the next two years. Early recruitment for positions, including laboratory assistants, production supervisors, and IT support, has already commenced.
The facility will primarily focus on dietary and nutritional products, supporting the broader objectives of Kendal Nutricare. Based in the picturesque Lake District in northwestern England, the company is known for its Kendamil and Bonya infant formula brands. Kendal Nutricare’s CEO, Ross McMahon, emphasized the importance of this acquisition, stating: “The purchase of this site shows our continued commitment to domestic manufacturing and supporting the world-class British dairy industry.”
“We were pleased to find that the Staffordshire location is ideal due to its proximity to the dairy sector, local expertise in spray drying milk powders for nutritional products, and the council’s proactive approach to fostering employment opportunities in the region,” added Siobhan Fotheringham, the group’s international business director.
During the last published fiscal year, ending March 31, 2023, Kendal Nutricare reported an impressive turnover of £94.9 million ($119.6 million), a substantial increase from £34.1 million the previous year. The operating profit of £39.6 million also marked a significant rise from £6.7 million reported in 2022.
Kendal Nutricare’s acquisition of the Premier Foods facility not only strengthens its position in the food and drink consumer trends landscape but also showcases its commitment to growth and innovation in the food and beverage industry. As the company moves forward, it remains focused on leveraging regional resources and expertise to maintain a competitive edge in this dynamic market.
