Warburtons has revealed that it will be investing £56 million in its manufacturing and distribution capabilities to ensure the company meets the growing demand for innovation in bakery.
The investment also aims to strengthen the company’s ability to get daily fresh products to stores across the country.
As part of this, we can expect to see the development of three new distribution depots in Widnes, Bognor Regis and Banbury creating 150 jobs. In addition, Warburtons are investing in improving the environmental credentials of its fleet of almost 1,000 vehicles by introducing new electric and compressed natural gas vehicles and significantly upgrading the technology used across the entire distribution network.
To meet growing demand for non-bread bakery products, and in particular the rise in popularity of crumpets and bagels, Warburtons are building two new bakery plants; a new thin bagel line at Stockton bakery and a new crumpet plant at Burnley, too.
Jonathan Warburton, Chairman of Warburtons, said: “Investing in our infrastructure is key to ensuring the long-term success of our fifth-generation family business.
“Consumer tastes are changing, and we work hard to make sure we are providing a range of products to meet consumer demand, this investment programme will allow us to better respond to these tastes for non-bread baked goods and meet the growing demand for crumpets and bread alternatives such as thin bagels.”
The new distribution depots will be built in Widnes, Bognor Regis and Banbury and will replace three existing sites in Speke, Waterlooville and Buckingham. There will be no headcount reductions as part of the move to the new sites and the company is currently in the process of recruiting for 150 additional distribution roles.
Combined with its existing infrastructure, the new sites will allow Warburtons to deliver two million products within 12 hours to stores ensuring freshness.
