Hain Daniels to expand frozen food factory in UK

Hain Daniels is planning a multi-million pound expansion of its frozen food factory in Fakenham, Norfolk, UK, a move that is expected to create 150 new jobs.

With the expansion Hain Daniels, a wholly owned subsidiary of US-based Hain Celestial, intends to meet the growing demand for the meat-free products, crumbles and hot desserts made at the site.

The project will involve installing new production lines and upgrading existing equipment.

The company has sought approval from the authorities of North Norfolk District Council to expand the facility and it expects the new project to be completed by autumn of 2012.

The expansion project will give a fresh lease of life to the facility, which was on the verge of closure four years ago due to lower sales and losses. The company’s investment in market research and new equipment has been credited with helping the factory to secure its operations.

The Fakenham site produces frozen vegetarian and vegan pies, burgers, sausages, and pastas under Linda McCartney brand, and employs 245 people.

The Fakenham site’s group operations director David Betts-Grey was quoted by the BBC as saying that the brand is growing at about 20% and food growth at about 4% and the company expects the new jobs to be secure for the long term.

In October 2011, Hain Celestial purchased the UK-based Daniels Group for $230m and formed Hain Daniels, which produces soup and chilled ready meals; chilled drinks, fruit and sandwiches; and desserts and meat-free foods.

At the time of acquisition, Hain Celestial announced its plans to increase production at the Fakenham factory to strengthen its fresh and frozen food capabilities in the UK.