Premier Foods is set to enhance its Lifton site with a three-year investment that aligns with the company’s growth strategy, reinvesting in its manufacturing sites following strong performance of the Ambrosia brand.
This £19 million initiative will unfold in two phases. The initial £9 million will modernize the production of Ambrosia rice pudding and custard through the implementation of a new custard filling line and high-speed packaging lines. Utilizing cutting-edge technology, these upgrades aim to streamline production, boost efficiency, and transition to fully recyclable packaging.
The remaining £10 million is earmarked for constructing a small factory extension that will accommodate a new custard-making plant. This phase is currently in progress and is expected to conclude by next summer.
“This investment shows how committed we are to Lifton and to keeping our manufacturing here in the UK,” stated Rachel Matheson, factory general manager at the Premier Foods Lifton site.
She also highlighted the rising demand for Ambrosia’s porridge pots, introduced in 2022 as the company entered the breakfast category: “Ambrosia is one of Britain’s most loved food brands, and we’re proud to keep making it right here in Devon. The porridge pots have been a huge hit, and it’s great to see how success like this enables us to reinvest in the site, back into our teams and in increased capacity.”
Having been part of the local community since 1917, the Lifton site currently employs over 320 individuals. It produces approximately 65 million kilograms of custard and rice pudding annually, sourcing over 50 million liters of milk from West Country farms.
Our site has been part of the Lifton community for over 100 years and we’re just as excited about what’s coming next
Rachel Matheson, factory general manager, Premier Foods – Lifton
Ben Palmer, a production manager, elaborated on the significance of this investment for the site and its employees: “My father worked here most of his working life and growing up, I remember him talking proudly about being part of the making of such a well-loved brand. Now I’m helping to lead the next generation of investment and development at the same site; it’s a full-circle moment and shows just how much our factory and our famous brands mean to the people who work here and the wider community.”