Warburtons in £20m ‘alternative sandwich’ expansion

NORTH West food manufacturer Warburtons has announced plans for a new £20m site which will create 60 jobs in Burnley.

The family-owned Bolton-based baking company is proposing to build a plant next to its existing bakery in Billington Road to make products such wraps and Sandwich Thins.

Warburtons said the expansion plans reflected a growth in what it called the “alternative sandwich” market.

A planning application has been submitted to Burnley Council, with work set to begin in February if approved.

Neil Campbell, Warburtons managing director, said: “As a family business, we are able to take decisions for the long term and this planned investment demonstrates our continued commitment to the future growth of the business.

“We recognise that consumer needs and tastes are changing and we must ensure we are fit to meet their needs, now and into the future.”

If approved, the plant will be able to produce an average of 5,500 products per hour. There are similar plants in Bristol and Bolton. The company’s existing site in the town employs 250 staff.

Warburtons’ range of sandwich alternatives have grown by 87% year-on-year and now account for 5.3% of wrapped bakery sales.

The company said Burnley was selected as the next location for investment due to its supply chain links and suitability for build.

Mr Campbell added: “Over the past decade we have invested more than £400m in our infrastructure to ensure we can make the best quality products that our consumers know and love. We have 26 sites across the UK meaning we can get our products from the bakery to the shelf in as little time as possible – meaning fresher bread for our consumers.”

Last month Warburtons launched its first cake products, which will be sold exclusively in Waitrose for six months, before being rolled out to other retailers.