A food production firm has opened a new £15m facility in Bristol.
Established in the city in 1963, The Bart Ingredients Company specialises in herbs and spices with its 180-strong range of products stocked by retailers including Ocado, Waitrose, Booths and Co-op.
The business said it had been transitioning its operations to the 167,000 sq ft site at Severn Beach after rising demand saw the business outgrow its previous factory in Bedminster.
In its most recent financial results, the firm saw turnover rise 33% to £40m in 2020/1, which it said was boosted by people cooking at home more during national lockdowns.
Bart Ingredients’ new facility is two-and-a-half times larger than its previous base, and will house its entire dry goods business.
The company said the move would enhance the sustainability of its operations by reducing carbon emissions associated with stock movement between sites and warehousing, whilst improving operational efficiency.
The building includes two fully automated, high speed production lines, two blending rooms, technical labs, and a new product development kitchen, which the company said would help work across departments.
Chief executive David Collard described opening the new facility as a “major milestone” which was central to delivering the firm’s “ambitious” growth plans.
Mr Collard said: “This incredible investment is a company first and a testament to our commitment to supporting the economic future of the South West.
“Our facility at Severn Beach is not only a factory that is fit for the future but a fantastic working environment that will help us attract top talent from across the region too.”
The building’s sustainable design, which includes motion activated lighting and fresh air temperature handling systems, has helped it achieve a ‘Very Good’ BREEAM rating - putting it in the top 25% of all energy efficient buildings.
The Bart Ingredients Company employs around 180 people, including at its second site in Newbury in Berkshire.
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