Geary’s Bakeries has launched two new production facilities in the East Midlands after a period of substantial expansion supported by HSBC UK funding.
The producer behind the popular Jason’s Sourdough brand has installed two additional sourdough lines and expects turnover to rise by more than 70% during the next two years.
The new Glenfield site in Leicester stands opposite the company’s original bakery, which opened in 2018. It has been developed as a central base for manufacturing, packaging and distribution, enabling the business to make, bake and dispatch fresh sourdough products to customers throughout the UK.
Geary’s said the investment will significantly increase production of its Jason’s Sourdough Ciabattin and Boule ranges, taking total manufacturing capacity to more than twice its previous level. The development reflects wider food manufacturing trends, including the need for bakery businesses to scale efficiently in response to changing food and drink consumer trends.
Since 2024, the expansion has generated approximately 350 jobs. New bakers have initially trained at Geary’s established facilities before moving into roles at the new site, taking the company’s total workforce to around 960 people.
Jason Geary, fourth-generation master baker at Geary’s Bakeries, said: “HSBC UK has been a key partner in helping us manage the growth we have seen in the last couple of years in a sustainable way, giving us the confidence and flexibility to invest in our operations, expand capacity and continue delivering the quality our customers expect – making proper bread more accessible to more people.
“Its support is helping us grow at the right pace while building a stronger business for the future.”
In addition to providing the funding package, HSBC UK has become Geary’s Bakeries’ sole banking provider after the company completed a full transfer of its banking operations.
The closer partnership is expected to underpin additional investment, including the potential development of another site as the bakery continues to grow. Future plans will also need to respond to evolving food and drink sustainability priorities, food and drink regulations, food and drink packaging requirements and developments in food processing technology.
Geary’s expansion also demonstrates how food and drink industry innovation can support growth across production and logistics. As food distribution trends continue to develop, the new facility gives the business greater control over manufacturing, packing and nationwide delivery, while creating opportunities for more targeted food and drink marketing.
“Geary’s Bakeries is a great example of a long-established family business responding to changing consumer demand while staying true to the quality and craftsmanship its reputation was built on,” added Russell Fisher, relationship manager at HSBC UK.
“Rapid growth can create as many challenges as opportunities, particularly in food manufacturing where scaling production without compromising quality is critical. We’re proud to support the business as it invests in the capacity, infrastructure and people needed for its next stage of growth.”