Roberts Bakery in Northwich set for massive expansion (From Northwich Guardian)

Roberts Bakery in Northwich set for massive expansion

8:40am Wednesday 10th March 2010 in

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A FAMILY firm is rising to a new challenge as it makes its biggest investment in more than 120 years.

Roberts Bakery is fighting back from the recession by embarking on an £8.5million two-phase development of its site in Gadbrook Park.

The first phase, set to be completed by the summer of 2011, will create a new despatch facility, complete with more than 1,000sq m of extra floor space and 24 new despatch docks.

The second phase will see the company overhaul its bread slicing equipment, conveyoring and basket feed systems and basket wash facilities.

A new roadway and car park will also be created within the site to help the bakery remain safe and efficient and to maintain a smart site appearance.

Mike Braddock, managing director of the bakery, said: “This is a tremendously exciting phase for the business, and we are proud to be expanding despite a continually tough economic climate.

“This multi-million pound development – our largest yet – will bring many benefits to the business, while carefully minimising the effect on the local environment.

“We are confident the the improvements in traffic circulation and vehicle manoeuvring time will ultimately result in improved air and noise pollution, and we would like to reassure the local community that there will be negligible disruption throughout the works.”

The bakery was established in 1887 and began operating at its current premises in Gadbrook Park in 1952.

It produces 1.5million loaves a week, and is one of the UK’s most successful independent bakeries.