Russells returns to iconic jams maker for new £2m scheme

Mark Duerr and Andrew Russell

Work has started on a £2m extension of a new factory for Duerr’s, the oldest family-owned jams maker in England, at the Roundthorn Industrial Estate in Wythenshawe.

Trafford Park-based Russells Construction has been appointed to create a 21,000 sq ft extension to make space for a second peanut butter production line at the existing facility on Dallimore Road.

Groundworks are well under way and erection of the steel frame for a 10,000 sq ft new build is set to begin this week.

The building will eventually provide 5,000 sq ft of amenity space over two floors, including training rooms, meeting areas and a new laboratory space, in addition to the manufacturing facility.

An existing 11,000 sq ft unit previously used for storage will also be refurbished and linked to the new build. It has already been stripped back to frame and will also have a mezzanine floor added to provide additional office space.

The project will see both parts of the extension attached seamlessly to the existing peanut butter plant by the Autumn of 2019.

Russells, which has already carried out an initial phase of works to create a 53-space car park on a site opposite to service the newly-expanded facility, built the original factory at Dallimore Road in 2010, housing the UK’s first purpose-built peanut butter production line.

Andrew Russell, director, said: “We’re pleased to return to Duerr’s again, it’s incredibly rewarding to be able to work with, and support, great local businesses time and again.

“Almost a decade on from that first project, their business has gone from strength to strength and is expanding.

“Similarly, Russells has more than doubled in size and in turnover since 2010, but we are still committed to providing the same level of service to our valued clients as ever.

“We’ve brought more than 20 years’ experience to this project which has allowed us to devise a contracted build programme which will support the customer’s desire to get the facility up and running as fast as possible.”

Duerr’s has moved production from its original site in Prestage Street in Old Trafford, where the business was first established in 1881, to purpose-built new premises at the Roundthorn Industrial Estate over the past 20 years.

The honey, jams and preserves production lines run from a neighbouring facility on Floats Road.

The new extension is the latest investment from a business which has celebrated its most successful year to date, with turnover passing the £75m mark.

Mark Duerr, managing director, said: “The growth in the popularity of peanut butter, and the desire for so many consumers to support British manufacturing, has contributed to a significant growth for the business in recent years.

“We are investing further into this area with the creation of a second production line.”

He added: “I am delighted to bring Russells back, the team were fantastic first time around and have been excellent in supporting our planning and design process throughout the pre-contract stage.

“It’s been exciting to watch the preparations and we’re very glad now that work has really started, and look forward to getting the new facility up and running by the end of the year.”

Close