German bakery order boosts Sugden

A NORTH West food equipment manufacturer has won a £1.7m contract in Germany.

Lancashire-based Sugden, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, is supplying German baker Sinnack with a bespoke system to allow it to produce English muffins.

Sugden, based in Barrowford near Nelson, Lancashire, employs 20 people with an annual turnover of £3m. Closer to home customers including Warburton’s, Allied Bakeries and Northern Foods

The Sinnack order has been supported by Barclays, which provided an Advanced Payment Guarantee.  The system is now complete and in the process of dismantling in preparation for shipment to Germany.

Co-owned by managing director Barry Mulholland and  manufacturing director Keith Sutcliffe, Sugden fought off competition from around the world to secure the contract.

Mr Mulholland said, “We were delighted to secure this contract with another German client which is proving to be a fruitful market for us.  Our client base has continued grow beyond these shores in recent years following a succession of new contracts and our plan is to target other overseas markets and regions such as North America and the Middle East.

He continued, “I have been very impressed with the holistic approach from Barclays, their appetite to do business in the current financial climate, and their support is a clear endorsement of our strategy.”

Barclays’ David Seaton added: “Our long standing relationship with Barry and our ability to provide the flexible solution he required to close this deal ensures we are best placed to support Sugden’s now and with their future growth ambitions.”