Lincs nursery groups plans huge 75-acre expansion

A Lincolnshire plant, flower and herb grower which employs 600 people has submitted plans for a 75-acre site on the A16 as part of its expansion plans which it says includes new jobs.

Bridge Farm Group, which includes prominent Neame Lea and Zyon brands within its portfolio, says the first phase of the development is expected to be completed in 2019 if approval is granted.

The group, which counts Tesco and Asda among its customers, currently operates a 10-acre production facility in Spalding and has invested significantly in recent years in glasshouse infrastructure and biomass heating to become the lowest cost producer in the industry.

Earlier this year NorthEdge Capital invested in Bridge Farm, in a move which saw chief executive David Ball lead a management buyout of the overall group. The deal provided the capital required for the project to proceed.

The Bridge Farm facility will feature a range of automated handling systems to improve efficiency and enable the business to handle a greater number of orders.

David Ball, chief executive of Bridge Farm Group, said: “Our new site represents another key milestone in the evolution and expansion of Bridge Farm Group.

“With our existing sites now reaching maximum capacity, a new development represents the next logical step. The new facility will feature a range of state-of-the-art machinery and automation, and will also safeguard the jobs of hundreds of staff in and around Spalding and ensure our customers are protected from the cost inflation the industry is seeing.

“We’re working closely with South Holland District Council to finalise our proposals, and we’re hugely appreciative of their support in recognising the importance of the growing industry in Spalding and to the wider Lincolnshire economy.”