Two companies run by businesswoman, animal rights activist and former model Heather Mills have bought a vegan food factory out of administration. Vegan Solo Consulting and Duo Renovations have bought the manufacturing facilities and equipment of Plant & Bean in Boston, Lincs. Ms Mills is a director of both firms which are based out of Brighton.
Plant & Bean called in administrators at the end of May due to the "immense pressures" of rising costs – primarily affecting raw materials and energy prices. The business, founded in 2019, has a 125,000 sq ft factory manufacturing for the likes of Quorn, Princes, and Wicked Kitchen.
Its Boston site has facilities to make meat-free products ranging from mince to sausages, burgers, nuggets, cutlets and slices.
Its products are made using peas and beans, and it has invested in protein food which is easy to grow and process, and taste as good as established foods. Its national headquarters are just off the M62 between Leeds and Hull.
As well as rising costs, the business had faced recent interruptions to production. Around 25 staff members were kept on through the administration.
Ms Mills – who was once married to Beatles legend Paul McCartney – said: “I am delighted to acquire the P&B facilities and to keep it as a non-meat factory.
“I am also pleased to try and help the founder of P&B who has worked in a similar vein to myself for many decades to drive positive change for the environment, the animals and for the health of the global population.”
James Clark, managing director at Interpath and a joint administrator of Plant and Bean, said: “I am delighted to secure a sale of this great facility to someone committed to investing and improving on the great manufacturing capabilities implemented by Plant and Bean.
“The factory has huge scope to deliver improved economic output for the Boston area and we wish the buyer all the best in their new venture.”
It is understood that following the sale the production facilities will be renovated and upgraded, and that Miss Mills will ensure future manufacturing at the site remains plant-based.
Vegan Solo specialises in making meat-free products and is run by Ms Mills. The purchase will add to her portfolio which includes Vbites – a pioneer of meat-free substitutes.
Interpath said: “Like several other businesses in the sector, Plant & Bean experienced significant inflation across its cost base, primarily increases in food and energy prices. The business also suffered from several operational issues stemming from a lack of investment.”
